1 Application for patent filed August 27, 1993.
and any intervening elements chosen (e.g.
multiplexing) would be directed toward making the
system functional for the intended application. As
stated above, a multiplexer is a switch with more
than a single input. Batcher provides such
switching to pass data from a local data source or
from a neighboring data source as described in Col.
9, line 40 et seq. Regarding applicants argument
that the multiplexer of claim 16 selects data at one
of its inputs to appear at its output in response to
a control signal generated within the processing
cell, applicants claim 16 processing cell is set
forth as having a multiplexer without positively
setting forth any data source, local or nonlocal, or
any indication or means to generate control signals
locally. The elements in claim 16 are as follows:
1) control input means, 2) a plurality of identical
processing cells...wherein each processing cell is
comprised of a multiplexor. There are no other
elements positively set forth. (Answer-pages 11 and
12.)
Appellant argues:
In the present instance, claim 16 does not
merely recite a plurality of identical cells, each
comprising a multiplexor. To the contrary, claim 16
additionally sets forth that the multiplexor has
first and second inputs and an output. Claim 16
further recites a limitation wherein the multiplexor
selects data at one of its inputs to appear at its
output in response to a control signal generated
within the processing cell. Claim 16 still further
sets forth a limitation wherein the first input is
coupled to an output of a multiplexor in one of the
at least one neighboring cell, the second input is
coupled to a local data source, and the output is
coupled to a first input of a multiplexor in one of
the at least one neighboring cell. These features
cannot be ignored when determining the patentability
of claim 16 and its dependent claims 17, 25 and 33
over the prior art. (Emphasis added.) (Reply
brief-page 8.)
1 13
1Application for patent filed August 27, 1993.
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