Appeal 2007-1983
Application 09/800,366
common, fundamental attribute: they both acquire images via an array of
sensors that detect incoming infrared radiation.
As the Examiner indicates (Answer 11-12), images in Wood ‘149 can
be acquired with improved sensitivity either by (1) averaging successive
images (i.e., complete images) (Wood ‘149, col. 5, ll. 11-16), or (2)
averaging multiple measurements from sensors to obtain a complete image
(Wood ‘149, col. 5, ll. 47-53). The latter method, in effect, occurs prior to
acquiring a complete image.
Although the preferred embodiment of Wood ‘149 employs
thermoelectric sensors to detect infrared radiation (Wood ‘149, col. 2, ll. 25-
46), Appellant has not pointed out -- nor can we find -- any meaningful
distinction between the bolometers used in the incorporated Wood ‘419
disclosure and the thermoelectric infrared sensors used in Wood ‘149.
In any event, we agree with the Examiner that obtaining these distinct,
preliminary measurements from the infrared sensors (and subsequent
averaging) would, at least implicitly, involve pulsing the sensors in the
manner shown in Figure 6 of the incorporated Wood ‘419 disclosure. The
issue, then, is whether these preliminary measurements occur during a
“frame time” as claimed giving the term its broadest reasonable
interpretation.
To interpret the term “frame time,” we first turn to Appellant’s
Specification. According to the Specification, “‘frame time’ refers to a time
in which a microbolometer array produces each complete picture or image of
an object being viewed” (Specification 2:6-7) (emphasis added).4
4 See also Specification 9:24-26.
6
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