Appeal 2007-1064
Application 10/059,242
Chern relates to a holographic data storage system (col. 1, ll. 6-11)
having an exposure system wherein collimated laser beam 68 is converted to
a divergent beam by lens 72 (Figure 8; col. 5, l. 66 through col. 6. l. 4).
Chern uses a Gaussian apodizer 74 in the divergent beam path for
directing the exposure beam to collimating lens 76 which produces a broad
beam 78 directed to screen 66 (Figure 8; col. 6, ll. 4-7).
Cowan discloses a laser beam apodizing filter for compensating the
Gaussian distribution of the laser beam and generating a substantially
uniform exposure (col. 2, ll. 14-18).
As depicted in Figure 1, Cowan interposes an apodizing filter in the
laser beam to even out the intensity of the beam between the center and the
edge area (col. 2, ll. 58-68). Thus a substantially “flat” intensity curve is
obtained on the laser beam as the beam exits the filter (col. 2, l. 68 through
col. 3, l. 5).
PRINCIPLES OF LAW
The test for obviousness is what the combined teachings of the
references would have suggested to one of ordinary skill in the art. See In re
Kahn, 441 F.3d 977, 987-988, 78 USPQ2d 1329, 1336 (Fed. Cir. 2006), In
re Young, 927 F.2d 588, 591, 18 USPQ2d 1089, 1091 (Fed. Cir. 1991) and
In re Keller, 642 F.2d 413, 425, 208 USPQ 871, 881 (CCPA 1981).
Moreover, in evaluating such references it is proper to take into account not
only the specific teachings of the references but also the inferences which
one skilled in the art would reasonably be expected to draw therefrom. In re
Preda, 401 F.2d 825, 826, 159 USPQ 342, 344 (CCPA 1968).
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