Appeal 2007-1468
Application 09/912,784
A) First issue.
We will first address the issue of whether the references are properly
combinable. As discussed in our Findings of Fact, AARA teaches use of a
radio transmitter in a computer device which seeks wireless connection
points. Also, as discussed in our Findings of Fact, Ishigaki teaches that to
save power in a portable device, the GPS circuit (a radio receiver) is to be
turned off when not needed. We consider that it would be readily apparent
to one skilled in the art that the Ishigaki’s power management scheme of
turning off power to a radio receiver except when activated by a user would
also net power savings in a portable computer with a wireless network
connection (i.e. providing a switch to turn on and off the wireless network
receiver). Thus, we find that combining AARA and Ishigaki would not
defeat the purpose of Ishigaki or render AARA unsatisfactory for its
intended use. Whether or not the combination teaches or suggests powering
the wireless network device while the processor is off relates to the second
issue. Thus, we find for the Examiner on the first issue.
Independent claim 40 reproduced above is directed to a handheld
device and recites limitations directed to a powering a wireless
communication module during seeks, initiated by a seek button. As
discussed above in the statement of the Issues, independent claim 40 recites
no limitation directed to the power state of the handheld device. Thus, the
scope of claim 40 includes powering wireless communication module while
the handheld device is powered on. As discussed above, we hold that one
skilled in the art would apply the power management scheme, of turning off
power to a radio receiver except when activated by a user, to a portable
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