Appeal No. 1999-0296 Page 13
Application No. 08/483,552
adjusting focal length of the zoom lenses to hold a location
of the neutral plane substantially constant[;]” or “adjusting
the effective distance between the optical axes of the
objective lenses to hold a location of the neutral plane
substantially constant when the distance of the objective
lenses to the scene changes.” Therefore, we reverse the
rejection of claims 3, 7, 12, and 15 as being obvious over
Robinson in view of Anderson; claim 8 as being anticipated by
Robinson; and claim 16 as being obvious over Robinson. We
proceed to claims 4 and 13.
III. Claims 4 and 13
The examiner asserts that Robinson discloses “means for
adjusting the distance between said optical axes (or camera
separation, which is "a way" of controlling disparity while
adjusting focal length of the zoom lenses, to hold a location
of the neutral plane substantially constant.” (Examiner’s
Answer at 6.) The appellants argue, “Robinson does not teach
or suggest linking zoom and disparity.” (Reply Br. at 7.)
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