Appeal No. 2006-2480 Application No. 10/384,862 are inattentive longer (e.g., inattentive drivers that do not respond to the first stage alert) are more inattentive than drivers that respond more promptly (e.g., inattentive drivers that respond to the first stage alert) [decision, pages 7 and 8]. We find no error in this interpretation. Appellant also argues that the duration of inattentiveness is not a variable that is derived from at least one operating variable that in turn influences the magnitude of the warning signal [request, pages 3 and 4]. We disagree. In our view, the duration of inattentiveness is a “variable” in the sense that its magnitude varies with respect to time. Furthermore, the inattentiveness duration variable is derived from multiple operating “variables,” including (1) elapsed time, and (2) other detected parameters that determine driver inattentiveness (e.g., eye blinking, driver movement, etc.). And as we noted previously, the inattentiveness duration variable represents a degree of driver inattentiveness. In short, given the scope and breadth of the claim language and the broadest reasonable interpretation of the term “variable,” we find no error in our conclusion that Bevan fully meets the independent claims. Although we sustained the examiner’s obviousness rejection based on an anticipatory reference, it is well settled that obviousness rejections can be based on references that happen to anticipate the claimed subject matter. In re Meyer, 599 F.2d 1026, 1031, 202 USPQ 175, 179 (CCPA 1979). 3Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 NextLast modified: November 3, 2007