Appeal No. 96-1988
Application No. 08/172,290
Representative independent claim 1 is reproduced as follows:
1. A method of creating a flowchart using a
programmable computer and a display for said programmable
computer, the method comprising the steps of:
displaying a predetermined set of basic flow forms
on a first area on the display;
providing a selection means by which a user can
select two forms from said set of basic flow forms;
combining said two selected flow forms to yield a
new valid flow form according to placement information
provided by the user and a predetermined plurality of
rules, said rules requiring that one of said two selected
flow forms is placed inside a second of the two selected
flow forms or one of said two selected flow forms is placed
in a head-to-tail relationship with the other said second of
said two selected flow forms, only downward flow of control
is required within the said flowchart, and no two lines
connecting flow forms cross one another; and
displaying the selected flow forms and any new valid
flow forms in a second area on said display, wherein any
program created from said flowchart is a structured
program.
The examiner relies on the following reference:
Marmelstein 5,187,788 Feb. 16,
1993
Claims 1 through 3, 5 through 11 and 13 through 16 stand
rejected, under 35 U.S.C. 102(e) and 35 U.S.C. 103, as being
anticipated by, or obvious over, Marmelstein, respectively.
Reference is made to the briefs and answers for the
respective positions of appellant and the examiner.
OPINION
3
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