Appeal No. 2004-1929
Application No. 08/664,164
examiner uses Hansen as a secondary reference that teaches the use of 360-degree
rotational panoramic visual images.
The appellant argues that Hansen does not teach rotational panoramic images,
but instead focuses on the generation of multi-level interactive environments. Appeal
brief, page 7. Although Hansen teaches creating one navigable video environment
inside another, the appellant’s claims define a similar virtual environment. Appellant’s
specification describes navigating through a home, entering commands, and changing
perspectives from the kitchen to the living room. Specification, pages 14-16. The
kitchen and living room are navigable environments inside the navigable environment of
the home. Also, in the appellant’s view, Hansen uses computer generated art and
renderings to give the impression of “being there,” but does not use actual or real-life
photographic images. Appeal brief, page 7. We disagree. Hansen teaches a method
by which a video camera on a tripod is rotated in a full circle around an actual travel
agency. Col. 5, line 7, lines 34-45. The result is 60 video images spanning 360
degrees, thereby generating a 360-degree rotational panoramic visual image. Col. 5,
lines 45-48.
Further, appellant argues that there is no teaching or suggestion to combine
Keithley and Hansen. Appeal brief, page 9. However, Keithley suggests the use of
virtual reality devices with reference to how the properties are viewed. Col. 9, lines 64-
66 and Col. 12, lines 40-50. We agree with the examiner that, [G]iven the suggestion of
using virtual reality technologies to enhance viewing of properties, one would [naturally]
look to the virtual reality arts.” Examiner’s answer, page 10. In the virtual reality arts,
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