Appeal No. 96-2440
Application 08/099,289
video data signals to create a sequential stream of data for
transmission."
The issues on appeal center about the meaning to be accorded
the claim term "non-useful or dead (i.e., dark) video data
signals." The examiner has interpreted the term so broadly as to
read on the vertical blanking intervals which occur before and
after the valid video data of each scanned line (answer at 4-5).
We disagree. The examiner’s interpretation is unreasonable and
without adequate basis in the record.
In the specification from the bottom of page nine to the top
of page 10, it is stated:
Moreover, a common feature of linear CCD [charge
coupled device] arrays is that there are normally
latent periods (or dead spaces) which occur before and
after valid video within one scan line. The present
invention utilizes these latent periods to transmit the
non-video information. In this way, the time required
to transmit the combined information is minimized.
The examiner recognized the vertical blanking intervals
between scanned lines as latent periods themselves. Based on the
above-quoted text, the examiner concluded that vertical blanking
intervals between scanned lines can constitute the claimed "non-
useful or dead (i.e., dark) video signals." See bottom of page 4
to top of page 5 in the examiner’s answer (Paper No. 18).
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