Appeal No. 2002-2023 Paper 31
Application No. 08/689,526 Page 12
teach or suggest the steps of (1) "identifying a pointer movement line" (Brief, p. 14, ¶ 1);
(2) "comparing the pointer movement line with the barrier" (id.); and, (3) "providing
predetermined pointer movement control actions responsive to the compared pointer
movement line with the barrier" (id., ¶ 2), including the steps of "changing an orientation
of the pointer ... and changing a speed of pointer movement responsive to said
compared pointer movement line with said barrier" (id., p. 14, ¶ 2 and p. 16, ¶ 1) (see
also Brief, pp. 17-20).
First, as pointed out by the examiner, Kanamaru discloses the step of identifying
a pointer movement line at "figure 4, items A, B and C and figure 2, item 005
"TRAVELING DIRECTION" and column 4, lines 21-27" (Answer, p. 3, last ¶; p. 8, ¶ 3).
Kanamaru expressly describes supposing a half line or ray on the display screen
extending from the current cursor position in the direction the cursor is traveling (c. 4, ll.
21-27). Kanamaru Figure 4 illustrates the identification of pointer movement in lines A,
B and C. In other words, the claimed step of identifying a pointer movement line reads
on determining a cursor's "traveling direction" as described by Kanamaru.
Second, as pointed out by the examiner, Kanamaru discloses the step of
comparing the pointer movement line with the barrier at figure 2, items 003-006; figure
4, cases 1 and 3; and, c. 4, ll. 32-46 (Answer, p. 3, ¶ 3 - p. 4, ¶ 2; p. 8, ¶ 4). The
claimed barrier has been defined to include any selected screen area or property, such
that the pointer slows down or stops so that the screen space beyond the barrier cannot
be entered from the direction of approach through the barrier (specification, ¶ bridging
pp. 4-5). Kanamaru describes stopping the cursor "from traveling further ... at the
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