Appeal No. 2006-2754
Application No. 10/108,109
To determine whether claim 8 is anticipated, we must first
determine the scope of the claim. We note that representative
claim 8 reads in part as follows:
[O]perating instructions for self-initiating a
self-assessment of ability level based on a formula
that assigns different weights to each of the at least
two factors in the communication device, and for
determining cluster head status based on the ability
level assessed.”
At page 3, lines 2 through 15, Appellants’ specification
states the following:
[0012] The present invention provides a method for
forming and operating a wireless network, and
particularly, a method of selecting cluster heads from
among communication devices of the wireless network.
Characteristics of a communication device, such as
processing power, available energy, connectivity to
other devices, and/or others, are factors in
determining suitability for the communication device to
operate as a cluster head. Preferably, a device
performs a self-assessment regarding its ability level
to operate as a cluster head based on a formula that
assigns weights to each of the factors. Ordinarily, a
device with a higher ability level is more desirable
for selection as cluster head. As several devices may
have a suitable ability level, the method includes the
use of randomization in the cluster head determination
process such that a device with a higher ability level
is more likely to be selected as a cluster head. Upon
assumption of cluster head status, the cluster head
device communicates with neighboring devices to signal
its cluster head status, to invite others to
participate in the formation of a cluster.
Thus, representative claim 8 does require a node self-initiating
a self-assessment of its ability level to serve as a cluster head
based on a formula that assigns weights to at least two
7
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