Appeal No. 2006-0909 Page 11
Application No. 09/282,320
1531 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (quoting In re Rinehart, 531 F.2d 1048, 1051, 189 USPQ 143,
147 (CCPA 1976)).
Here, Baumgarten describes "a device and method for generating images
of a computer user and the surrounding area behind the user and for transmitting these
images to the user." (Col. 1, l. 66 - col. 2, l. 2.) More specifically, the "image generating
device 4 comprises a base housing 20 mounted on a support 22 and a mirror 24
attached to one side of base housing 20." (Col. 3, ll. 29-31.) Because the device also
includes "means for mounting a video camera 70 to the back of mirror 24," (col. 4, ll. 65-
66), we agree with the examiner's finding that the reference teaches attaching a mirror
to a camera.3
3Baumgarten further explains that its "[h]ousing 20 is . . . pivotally mounted to
upright member 26 (via, e.g., a swivel joint (not shown)) around both the longitudinal
axis of the upright member 26 and around an axis perpendicular to member 26. This
permits the user to pivot housing 20 and mirror 24 up and down and from side to side to
change the viewing angle of the image reflected by mirror 24." (Col. 3, ll. 39-43).
Because the reference's mirror can be pivoted, we find that Baumgarten teaches a
movable mirror. Because the video camera is mounted to the back of the mirror, (col. 4,
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