Ex Parte KIM - Page 2




              Appeal No. 2001-2579                                                                  Page 2                 
              Application No. 08/885,996                                                                                   


                     The printer includes a memory and a central processing unit ("CPU") for                               
              processing and printing the data.  More specifically, the CPU features forms for storing                     
              the data in the memory, viz., a byte form, a word form, a long word form.  For  forms of                     
              two-byte data, "there are a high order type and a low order type."  (Spec. at 2.)                            
              Because the print driver depends on the characteristics of the printer's CPU, explains                       
              the appellant, a different print driver must be used for each model of printer.  (Id. at 3.)                 
              "This imposes burden[s] on both the user and the manufacturer.  That is, the user must                       
              install the print driver with respect to each printer model and the printer manufacturer                     
              has maintenance difficulties."1  (Id.)                                                                       


                     In contrast, the appellant asserts that his invention enables a single print driver in                
              a computer to support more than one model of printer.  (Id. at 9.)  More specifically, the                   
              print driver confirms the form of a printer's CPU, generates print data corresponding to                     
              the form, and transmits the print data to the printer.  (Id. at 4.)  Accordingly, concludes                  
              the appellant, a user of his invention need not install a different print driver for each                    
              model of printer, "and the printer manufacturer simplifies maintenance."  (Id. at 9.)                        






                     1The "maintenance difficulties" are unspecified.                                                      







Page:  Previous  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  Next 

Last modified: November 3, 2007