Appeal No. 97-2582
Application 08/484,353
the switch 15. As described, both switches are used to cause
recording of image data onto the disk 23. It would appear
that they are alternatives to each other.
Assuming for the moment that Kinoshita discloses a switch
15 for recording image data and a switch 30 for reproducing
image data, both in the same embodiment, we further disagree
with the examiner that in light of Taguchi’s multi-level push-
button it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill
in the art to merge the functions of switch 15 and switch 30
into a single push-button. The appellants are correct that
the multiple functions activated by Taguchi’s single multi-
level push-button, i.e., (1) off, (2) supplying power to
applicable circuit elements to get them ready for operation,
and (3) start recording, are not of the same type of
combination required by the appellants’ claims. In our view,
Taguchi would not have reasonably motivated one with ordinary
skill in the art to merge the “recording” function and the
“reproduction” function onto a single control button. What is
missing is a teaching or suggestion about combining controls
for opposite flow of information on a single switch. The mere
fact that a switch can be used to control plural functions
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