Appeal No. 2000-1888
Application No. 08/885,984
axis undesired sounds (col. 11, lines 51-57). Therefore,
Lundgren provides for a directional microphone in which the
housing is “configured” to obtain a specific directivity pattern
that reduces sensitivity to sounds in an off-axis direction.
In view of our findings above, we agree with the Examiner
and further find that the microphone of Lundgren inherently
compensates for internal noise of the computer. The directivity
pattern disclosed by Lundgren has decreased responsiveness in an
off-axis direction, such as bottom-to-top, which is the direction
in which the internal noise generated by computer components may
reach the microphone. Therefore, as pointed out by the Examiner,
with the placement of the prior art microphone assembly with its
non-zero response direction arranged to receive sounds from the
user, internal noise in the off-axis direction of nulls is
inherently compensated. Therefore, we find that the Examiner has
met the burden of providing a prima facie case of anticipation.
Accordingly, we sustain the rejection of claims 32, 33-36, 42-44
and 46-50 under 35 U.S.C. § 102 over Lundgren.
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