Appeal 2007-1535
Application 10/626,969
Nykerk discloses an alarm system that issues a preliminary warning
before sounding an alarm (Nykerk, col. 1, ll. 19-29; col. 2, l. 64 - col. 3, l. 2).
To this end, a self-contained alarm system 55 (i.e., the “INVISIBEAM”
system) detects the presence of an intruder in a zone of protection. In
response to such detection, a preliminary warning vocally informs the user
that a protected region has been entered (i.e., a pre-warning signal). The
intruder is then given a predetermined time to move out of the protected area
before sounding the alarm (i.e., alarm signal) (Nykerk, col. 3, ll. 49-67; col.
6, l. 48 - col. 7, l. 10). Also, the INVISBEAM system can be used with
other conventional alarm systems (Nykerk, col. 7, ll. 32-63).
The alarm system 55 is connected to a control unit which is, in turn,
connected to a wire harness 30 (Nykerk, Fig. 1; col. 8, ll. 14-17; col. 9, ll.
59-63). The alarm system 55 is also connected to the wire harness via
interface/driver 88 (Nykerk, col. 11, ll. 53-62; Fig. 4). Significantly, the
wire harness 30 extends substantially the entire length of the vehicle with
various components (e.g., headlights, taillights, horn, sensors, etc.)
connected thereto as shown in Figure 1 (Nykerk, Fig. 1; col. 7, l. 64 - col. 8,
l. 23).
The claims differ from Nykerk in calling for a data communications
bus to extend throughout the vehicle. But replacing wiring harnesses in
vehicles with data communication buses to, among other things, reduce
weight, cost, and complexity, is well-known in the vehicle manufacturing
industry.
For example, Appellant indicates in the Specification that vehicle
manufacturers have attempted to reduce the amount of wiring within
vehicles to reduce weight, wiring problems, decrease costs, and reduce
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