Appeal 2007-1245
Application 09/950,253
documents into the system repository, users can then manage or edit the
scanned files using a web browser (Kuwata Specification 12-13, “From the
Scanner” section).
We find Kuwata’s network-based document management and printing
system reasonably comprises a “photocopying device” as claimed giving the
term its broadest reasonable interpretation. Specifically, nothing in the
claim precludes the “photocopying hardware” to include the combination of
the scanner, server, and printer in Kuwata – components that collectively
enable the user to create any number of copies of scanned paper documents.
Although Appellant acknowledges that Kuwata discloses a
photocopier, Appellant’s argument that Kuwata’s server is not a
“photocopying device” (Reply Br. 6) is simply not commensurate with the
scope of the limitation. In our view, Kuwata’s scanner, server, and printer
collectively function as a “photocopying device.” We further note that the
computer that functions as Kuwata’s server inherently comprises a memory
with an “embedded server” – software that enables the computer to function
as a server.
The server also inherently contains a “copy control module” that
interfaces with the user’s browser. Such copy control functionality enables
the user to utilize the browser to control the process of printing documents
stored on the server. To print a document, the user accesses the System
Explorer. A printer properties form is then shown in the user’s browser that
enables the user to configure printing by selecting desired settings (Kuwata
Specification 29, “Printing” section). This system-specific form that is
displayed in the user’s browser reasonably constitutes a control screen that is
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