Prior art — US Patent 9772193

This analysis identifies relevant prior art for US Patent 9772193, "Vehicle beacon and method of use," focusing on patents cited within the document itself and its family. The claims of US9772193 are presented, followed by a detailed review of each identified prior art reference, including its full citation, relevant dates, a brief description, and potential anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102.

Claims of US9772193

US9772193 generally describes a method and system for providing navigation to a user in an environment (indoor or outdoor) using a plurality of radio frequency (RF) tags or beacons. These beacons broadcast unique identifications (IDs) and additional information. A mobile device receives these IDs, determines the user's location by proximity without requiring bi-directional communication, and displays real-time navigation information as a floating overlay or waypoint on an indoor map or floor plan image. The system can provide Location Based Services (LBS) and is particularly useful in environments where GPS is inaccurate or unavailable, such as indoors or for emergency responders.

Representative Claims (summarized from US9772193):

Claim 1 (Method): Installing RF tags/beacons at known locations broadcasting unique IDs and information; mobile device scanning for IDs; receiving IDs, determining user location by proximity based on received ID without bi-directional communication; providing real-time navigation; displaying navigation as a real-time floating overlay or waypoint over an indoor map/floor plan (obtained remotely or locally), indicating current user location and destination.
Claim 5 (Method): The RF tags or beacons are Bluetooth enabled.
Claim 9 (Method): Displaying real-time navigation without Internet or cellular connection to determine location.
Claim 12 (System): A system comprising the RF tags/beacons and a mobile device configured to perform the steps of Claim 1.
Claim 16 (System): The RF tags or beacons are Bluetooth enabled.
Claim 20 (System): Displaying real-time navigation without Internet or cellular connection to determine location.

Identified Prior Art and Anticipation Analysis

The following patents are cited by US9772193 and will be analyzed for potential anticipation of its claims.

1. U.S. Pat. No. 7,031,875

Full Citation: U.S. Patent 7,031,875 B2, "Pointing system for addressing objects," issued to Ellenby et al. on April 18, 2006.
Publication/Filing Date: Filed on November 25, 2003.
Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for identifying and interacting with physical objects using a portable device (e.g., cell phone or PDA) that includes a positioning component (e.g., GPS, accelerometer, compass, inclinometer, altimeter), a network interface (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth), and a pointing mechanism (e.g., camera, laser pointer). The device determines its own position and orientation, and when pointed at an object, resolves the object's identity and retrieves information about it via a network connection to a database. The system primarily relies on GPS for location and network communication for information retrieval.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
- Claims 1(e), 9, 12(b)(iii), 20 (regarding lack of bi-directional communication/Internet for location determination): Ellenby '875's system "requires the Global Positioning System (GPS) to locate the user location" and typically uses "Internet and/or database communication" for information retrieval. The stated "limitation" of Ellenby '875 in the US9772193 text is its reliance on GPS and a communication infrastructure for information, making it unsuitable for indoor use or without continuous connectivity for location determination. Thus, the distinguishing feature of US9772193 regarding "without requiring bi-directional communication to determine the location of the mobile device" or "without a requirement of an Internet connection or a cellular connection to determine the location of the mobile device" (Claims 1(e), 9, 12(b)(iii), 20) is likely not anticipated.
- Claims 1(a), 1(b), 1(c), 12(a), 12(b)(i), 12(b)(ii) (general concept of locating objects/POI and receiving information): Ellenby '875 describes a system for identifying objects and receiving information about them based on user location and pointing. While it doesn't use static RF beacons to determine the user's location by proximity in the same way, it shares the broad goal of providing location-relevant information. However, the specific mechanism of RF tags/beacons broadcasting unique IDs for proximity-based location determination without GPS or bi-directional communication for location is not clearly present.
- Claims 2, 13 (indoor/outdoor environment): Ellenby '875 is primarily discussed in an outdoor context due to GPS reliance, and the US9772193 text explicitly states its limitations in indoor environments. Therefore, the indoor capability of US9772193 is not anticipated by Ellenby '875.

2. U.S. Pat. No. 7,899,583

Full Citation: U.S. Patent 7,899,583 B2, "System and method for detecting available parking spaces and navigating thereto," issued to Mendelson on March 1, 2011.
Publication/Filing Date: Filed on April 3, 2006.
Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for detecting vacant parking spaces and guiding a driver to them. RF tags or beacons are installed at parking spaces and broadcast an identification (ID) only when the space is available. A user's Bluetooth-enabled mobile device scans for these broadcasted signals to identify available parking spaces and navigate to them. It explicitly mentions Bluetooth technology for low power consumption and ubiquitous integration into mobile phones.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
- Claims 1(a), 1(b), 1(c), 1(d), 5, 9, 12(a), 12(b)(i), 12(b)(ii), 12(b)(iii), 16, 20 (core beacon-based proximity detection for location without bi-directional communication): This patent is a parent application to US9772193 and explicitly details the core mechanism of RF tags/beacons (specifically Bluetooth) broadcasting IDs, a mobile device scanning for these, and determining location by proximity based on the received ID, without requiring bi-directional communication for location. The description of US9772193 explicitly refers to US7899583 for details on parking detection. Therefore, the fundamental aspects of using RF beacons (especially Bluetooth) for proximity-based location determination without Internet/cellular connection are directly anticipated by or derived from this patent.
- Claims 1(e), 1(f), 12(b)(iv), 12(b)(v) (providing real-time navigation information and displaying as floating overlay/waypoint on indoor map): While US7899583 focuses on navigating to parking spaces, it provides "navigation directing the driver to the vacant parking space." The method of displaying this navigation as a "real-time floating overlay, or as a waypoint, over an indoor map or a floor plan image" (Claims 1(f), 12(b)(v)) is a more specific display method that may be an inventive refinement in US9772193 beyond the generic navigation described in US7899583. However, the concept of "waypoints" and "navigation to a desired destination" is present.
- Claims 3, 4, 14, 15 (identifying type of facility/store, additional information): US7899583 focuses on parking space availability. While the beacon ID identifies the parking space, it doesn't explicitly mention the broader identification of "type of a facility or a store" or "additional information about the facility or the store" as broadly as US9772193 for general navigation.
- Claim 10, 21 (LBS): US7899583 describes a specific application (parking), which is a type of LBS, but the broader concept of providing general LBS based on location might be further elaborated in US9772193.

3. U.S. Pat. No. 8,941,485

Full Citation: U.S. Patent 8,941,485 B2, "System and method for finding and navigating to available parking spaces," issued to Mendelson on January 27, 2015.
Publication/Filing Date: Filed on May 8, 2006.
Brief Description: This patent, also by Mendelson and claimed as a parent to US9772193, further elaborates on systems and methods for identifying available parking spaces and guiding users to them. It integrates sensor technology with RF beacons to determine occupancy status and then broadcasts information from vacant spaces. It also includes the "Return to Parking (RTP)" feature to guide users back to their parked cars. It focuses on urban parking innovation and improving parking management.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
- Claims 1(a)-1(e), 5, 9, 12(a)-12(b)(iv), 16, 20 (core beacon-based proximity detection for location without bi-directional communication, especially for parking): As another parent application by the same inventor, this patent strengthens the anticipation of the core mechanism described in US7899583. The use of RF tags/beacons (Bluetooth-enabled) for proximity-based location determination without relying on bi-directional communication for location is clearly taught for parking scenarios. The RTP feature further demonstrates navigation to a stored location based on initial beacon detection.
- Claims 1(f), 12(b)(v) (displaying navigation as floating overlay/waypoint on indoor map): Similar to US7899583, while navigation is provided, the specific display method of a "real-time floating overlay, or as a waypoint, over an indoor map or a floor plan image" (Claims 1(f), 12(b)(v)) might be a further refinement in US9772193. However, the concept of guiding the user to a location (e.g., a parking spot, or back to a parked car) is clearly present, using a mobile device display.

4. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20060224330A1

Full Citation: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20060224330 A1, "System and method for navigating to points of interest (POI)," by Mendelson, published October 5, 2006.
Publication/Filing Date: Filed on April 3, 2006.
Brief Description: This application describes a navigation system based on RF tags or beacons installed at known locations (Points of Interest, POI). These beacons broadcast unique IDs and location-specific information. A mobile device receives these signals, determines its location by proximity to the beacons, and provides real-time navigation and information without relying on GPS or constant bi-directional communication. It focuses on indoor and urban navigation where GPS is insufficient. It describes displaying waypoints and providing information about facilities.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
- Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21 (almost all claims related to method/system for beacon-based navigation in indoor/outdoor environments, LBS, and lack of bi-directional communication/Internet for location determination): This publication is highly relevant, being an application by the same inventor with a priority date before US9772193's effective filing date. Its abstract and detailed description appear to cover almost all the essential elements of US9772193, including the installation of RF tags/beacons (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), broadcasting unique IDs and information, mobile device scanning and determining location by proximity, providing real-time navigation without GPS or bi-directional communication, LBS, and use in indoor/outdoor environments. The concept of "Points of Interest (POI)" directly relates to "destination" and "facility/store."
- Claims 1(f), 7, 8, 12(b)(v), 18, 19 (specific display method of floating overlay/waypoint with accuracy circle): The application explicitly mentions "displaying waypoints" and "information as a floating image on the map." The specifics of a "real-time floating overlay, or as a waypoint, over an indoor map or a floor plan image" (Claims 1(f), 12(b)(v)) and "accuracy radius circle" (Claims 8, 19) are very likely anticipated or made obvious by this publication.

5. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20130099933A1

Full Citation: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20130099933 A1, "Parking beacon and method of use," by Mendelson, published April 25, 2013.
Publication/Filing Date: Filed on January 10, 2013.
Brief Description: This application, another by Mendelson, focuses on a parking beacon system. It describes an RF beacon installed at a parking space that broadcasts identification (ID) and additional information, particularly when the space is vacant. A mobile device detects the beacon, determines location by proximity, and navigates the user to available parking. It also supports returning to a parked car. This is essentially a continuation or further development of the parking systems described in US7899583 and US8941485.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
- Claims 1(a)-1(e), 5, 9, 12(a)-12(b)(iv), 16, 20 (core beacon-based proximity detection for location without bi-directional communication, for parking): Similar to the granted parking patents, this application fully anticipates the core beacon-based proximity detection for location determination without bi-directional communication or Internet access for the specific application of parking.
- Claims 1(f), 12(b)(v) (displaying navigation as floating overlay/waypoint on indoor map): While focused on parking, it does involve navigation to a location which would be displayed on a mobile device. The specific "floating overlay" or "waypoint" display method on an "indoor map or floor plan image" for general navigation as claimed in US9772193 might be a broader application or more detailed description of the display than strictly necessary for parking navigation, but the fundamental concepts are closely related.

6. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20140222301A1

Full Citation: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20140222301 A1, "Vehicle beacon and method of use," by Mendelson, published August 7, 2014.
Publication/Filing Date: Filed on March 25, 2014.
Brief Description: This application by Mendelson is titled "Vehicle beacon and method of use," which is identical to US9772193. It details a system and method using RF tags or beacons (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) at known locations to broadcast unique IDs and information. A mobile device determines user location by proximity from these signals, provides real-time navigation without bi-directional communication for location, and displays this information as an overlay on a map or floor plan. It covers various environments, including indoor, and applications such as parking, shopping, and emergency services. This publication appears to be a direct predecessor or continuation-in-part of US9772193.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
- All claims (1-22): Given the identical title and description in the abstract, US20140222301A1 likely fully anticipates all claims of US9772193. This publication is a pending application with a filing date prior to US9772193's filing date (January 10, 2017) but a later priority date (2005-04-12, common to Mendelson's earlier works). If the disclosure of US20140222301A1 is identical or substantially similar to US9772193, and its effective filing date (considering its priority chain) precedes US9772193's earliest priority date for the specific claimed subject matter, then it would be strong prior art. The provided information indicates US9772193 claims priority to applications filed in 2005 and 2006 (US11/396,843 and US11/429,864, which correspond to the granted patents US7899583B2 and US8836580B2, respectively, though US8836580B2 is not in the explicit list but a priority date is mentioned for it). If US20140222301A1 derives from the same underlying inventions, it would be considered prior art for any new matter, or potentially self-prior art depending on the precise priority claims and continuity.

7. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20150377759A1

Full Citation: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20150377759 A1, "Vehicle beacon and method of use," by Mendelson, published December 31, 2015.
Publication/Filing Date: Filed on August 26, 2015.
Brief Description: This is another patent application by Mendelson, also titled "Vehicle beacon and method of use," published before the grant of US9772193. Its abstract describes a system and method for providing navigation to a user in an indoor or outdoor environment using RF tags/beacons that broadcast unique IDs and information. A mobile device determines location by proximity, provides real-time navigation without bi-directional communication for location, and displays this information as an overlay on a map. It mentions various applications like malls, stores, parking, and emergency use.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102):
- All claims (1-22): Similar to US20140222301A1, this publication has the identical title and abstract, strongly suggesting it covers substantially the same inventive subject matter as US9772193. Its publication date precedes the filing date of US9772193 (January 10, 2017). Therefore, it likely anticipates all claims of US9772193 unless US9772193 has valid priority claims to earlier applications that fully disclose and support all its claims, predating this publication. Based on the given information, US9772193 does claim priority to earlier applications (e.g., 2005 and 2006). This would make US20150377759A1 part of the same patent family and therefore not "prior art" in the traditional sense if there is proper priority chain for all the claimed features. However, for any new subject matter introduced in US9772193 that is not supported by the earlier priority applications, US20150377759A1 could be considered prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(2) as a U.S. patent application publication by the same inventor.

Summary of Most Relevant Prior Art

Based on the analysis, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20060224330A1 appears to be the most relevant prior art. As an earlier publication by the same inventor with a very similar scope ("System and method for navigating to points of interest (POI)"), it likely anticipates or renders obvious a significant number of the claims of US9772193, particularly those related to the core beacon-based proximity detection for navigation in indoor/outdoor environments without reliance on bi-directional communication or GPS, and providing information about POIs. The more specific display methods (floating overlay, accuracy circle) are also highly likely to be found in this or a closely related Mendelson application.

The other Mendelson patents (US7899583B2, US8941485B2, US20130099933A1) focus primarily on the parking application, but their core mechanism for beacon-based proximity location determination is highly anticipatory of Claims 1(a)-1(e), 5, 9, 12(a)-12(b)(iv), 16, and 20 of US9772193.

The later Mendelson publications (US20140222301A1 and US20150377759A1) are likely direct continuations or continuations-in-part of the same inventive concept, sharing the exact "Vehicle beacon and method of use" title. They would generally anticipate all claims of US9772193 unless specific new features in US9772193 are supported by earlier priority dates that these publications do not benefit from for those specific features. This would require a detailed priority claim analysis for the specific claims of US9772193 versus the disclosures and effective filing dates of these earlier applications by the same inventor.

Ellenby '875 is less anticipatory because of its reliance on GPS and bi-directional communication for location and information retrieval, which US9772193 specifically aims to overcome.