Appeal No. 97-2476 Page 8
Application No. 07/696,079
Perry teaches a need to reduce voice communications
between an air traffic controller and an aircraft. The
reference opines that “sending discrete written messages
should greatly boost efficiency.” P. 30. Perry also
describes “[s]mart machines.” P. 31. The Automated En Route
Air Traffic Control System (AERA), “[t]he epitome of this
automation,” id., projects intended flights twenty minutes
ahead. “If the computer spots a conflict, it is highlighted
on the screen and a window opens, with recommendations such as
‘American Flight 66 should descend to 29 000 within 2
minutes.’” Id. Scardina discloses AERA in more detail. PP.
1628-32.
Comparison of the invention to the references evidences
that neither Perry nor Scardina teaches or suggests the
claimed passing on or retransmitting of only logically
accurate instructions. The references do not prescreen
instructions for contradictory conditions before the
instructions are sent to an aircraft. All instructions are
sent to the aircraft. It is only after the instructions are
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