Appeal No. 2000-1513
Application No. 08/829,088
that generated an interrupt with the processor polling all the
devices that might have caused the type of error, the reference
does not disclose any recursive categorization of an I/O
subsystem, formation of an error log based on the recursive
categorization, and isolation of an error source within the I/O
subsystem.
Apparently recognizing that the reference portions cited do
not, in fact, teach the claimed “categorization, in a recursive
manner,” the examiner contends, in the response section of the
answer, that appellants do not “functionally claim how the system
categorize the I/O subsystem recursively” [answer-page 5]. We
disagree. The claims clearly recite “categorizing, in a
recursive manner.” Since the examiner has not indicated an
alternative interpretation of this term, the interpretation must
be the meaning given by the instant specification, as recited at
page 6 thereof.
Furthermore, as to the limitation, “in a recursive manner,”
the examiner says that it “recited in at least to the independent
claims that were merely hinted as possible modifications
to the claimed invention and no circuit diagrams or suggestion
were provided to make modifications as hinted in the language of
the claims” [answer-pages 5-6]. The examiner’s rationale is not
-5–
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007