Appeal No. 1996-3638
Application 08/169,681
images as a set of images of a scene from different perspectives as a depth image.
Upon our review of Adelson, we find that Adelson teaches an image processing method for
processing M separately focused two-dimensional images of a given three-dimensional scene to derive
therefrom a single improved-focus two-dimensional image of the given three-dimensional scene. (See
column 3, lines 10-20). Furthermore, we note Adelson teaches that the image processing method is
particularly suitable for use in microscopy for deriving an improved-focus 2-dimensional image of a 3-
dimensional microscope specimen. (See column 3, lines 38-40). We fail to find that Adelson teaches
each original image being captured from a different perspective nor does Adelson teach a depth image
production means for combining the reconstructed original images into a depth image.
On pages 8 and 9 of the brief, Appellants argue that the Examiner has not shown a prima facie
case to combine Melnychuck with Adelson. In particular, Appellants argue that the whole point of
storing multiple resolution image data of the same image as encompassed by Melnychuck is to provide
ready access to the image at various resolutions. Appellants point to column 3, lines 17-20 of
Melnychuck. Appellants argue that Adelson, on the other hand, aims to provide a single two-
dimensional image with improved focus. Appellants argue that since Adelson is only concerned with
the final signal two-dimensional image being obtained, there is simply no reason to generate multiple
resolution images from each of the differently focused images of Adelson since Adelson does not intend
to access each of those differently focused images at different resolutions for later viewing reproduction.
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