Appeal 2006-3245
Application 10/383,224
and unambiguous within a period of the at least one element with periodic time-
dependent behaviour.” Claim 6 similarly recites, “at least one input data
component comprising a presentation of time, wherein the presentation of time is
periodic, continuous and unambiguous within the period of the at least one element
with periodic time-dependent behaviour.”
As stated supra, Hirvonen discloses a system for detecting and positioning
objects, such as vessels, above and under sea-level by measuring disturbances in
the electric field within a surveillance area caused by the objects and comparing
these measurements to the electric field in the surveillance area without vessels.
The “uninhabited” surveillance area is considered “normal,” and the vessels are
considered anomalies as they pass through the surveillance area.
Hirvonen teaches using a three-dimensional model of the electric field in the
surveillance area to locate the position of an object. The resistivity of the water
between the electrodes is a threefold integral of the conductivity of the medium in
that part of the surveillance area, where the boundary conditions are: water level,
topography of the bottom, and conductivity of the water.
The Examiner found that Hirvonen’s use of water level as a boundary
condition is an observable element having a periodic time dependent behavior
because sea water level is an inherently periodic variable (Answer 3-4, citing to the
Tide Article for evidence of diurnal and monthly tidal variations). As such, the
Examiner found that Hirvonen inherently discloses incorporating a presentation of
time into at least one input data component. We disagree.
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