Appeal No. 1998-2892 Page 7
Application No. 08/576,621
central processor means for generating an environment with
avatars therein, and means for communicating portions of the
environment to distributed processor means. We differ from the
examiner in that it is our opinion that Lipscomb does not
disclose an “environment” in keeping with the interpretation
established in the appellant’s specification for this term.
Inasmuch as Perlin merely discloses the use of avatars in
computer presentations, and does not cure the defect in
Lipscomb, a prima facie case of obviousness is lacking on its
face. Moreover, we fail to perceive any suggestion that would
have motivated one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the
teachings of Lipscomb in such a manner as to meet the terms of
claim 16 other than the luxury of the hindsight afforded one
who first viewed the appellant’s disclosure. It is axiomatic
that this is not a proper basis for a rejection under Section
103.
For the reasons set forth above, we will not sustain the
rejection of claims 2, 8 and 13-21.
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007