Appeal No. 96-4014
Application 08/192,939
(1) low-level controllers
Appellants argue (Brief, page 8):
Hisano shows a multi-stage computer system which includes
the MPU and the plurality of fuzzy reasoning computers
(i.e., FC , FC , FC ). Neither the MPU nor the fuzzya b c
reasoning computers are considered to be analogous to the
claimed low-level controllers. Instead of controlling
engine signals like the claimed low level controllers, the
MPU and the fuzzy reasoning computers analyze or reason
large and complicated propositions.
The examiner states (Examiner's Answer, page 6):
[A] plurality of low-level controllers is taught by Hisano
on figures 2 and 4 and column 3, lines 50-68, his lower
controllers, z1 ... zn and his all rules having at their
consequent x1 or y1 executed in a particular FC and the
synthetic reasoning result gained from results by the
execution is applied to FCa from FCb or FCc as a decided
value, thus a low-level controllers is taught by Hisano.
It is not clear from this explanation what structure in Hisano
the examiner considers to be the controllers. A better statement
of the examiner's position is that "[t]he multistage computers
are fuzzy controllers" (Final Rejection, page 5), that is, the
fuzzy computers FC are fuzzy controllers.
We find that the only control disclosed in Hisano is at the
top level where the final reasoning can be applied as control
signals (col. 3, lines 3-6). The lower level computers in Hisano
do not control. However, the low level controllers are not
claimed as performing any control. The "low-level controllers"
are claimed as "operable to output a control variable value that
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