Timebase Pty Ltd v. Thomson Corporation, The

Filing 266

Declaration of Michael Stonebraker in Support of 265 Response in Opposition to Motion filed by Thomson Corporation, The, West Publishing Corporation, West Services. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) A-1, # 2 Exhibit(s) A-2, # 3 Exhibit(s) A-3, # 4 Exhibit(s) A-4, # 5 Exhibit(s) A-5, # 6 Exhibit(s) A-6, # 7 Exhibit(s) A-7, # 8 Exhibit(s) A-8)(Wagner, Kevin)

EXHIBIT A-7

• I

..?
'

IN TilE SPECIFICATION:

Please amend the Summary of the Inventi on in accordance with the -proposed
,

amended claims enclosed herewith. No new matler is believed to have been added
thereby.

,
Amcnl.IJ""nI After Orrice Action

~lailcd

July &, 2()(W

Serio' No. 09/689.927 .
Page 2 or 38

T8040925

-IN THE CLAIM S:
'Please cUllcel Claims 2, 3, 13,

i4. 24.25.35.37,55,57: 75; and 77 without -

prejudice or di sclaimer of the subject matter.

. - - ---

Please add new claims 98, 99 and 100 .

----.- - -- -

--

-

- ---

-~- . -.- -

- - "- ---

Please amend claims 1, 4,8,10, II , 12, 15, 19,2 1,22, 23,26,30,32, 33,34,54,

74. and 94 as follow s.
1.

[currently amendedl A method of navigating in a multidimensional space having

three or more dimensions eonta:iftiHg an eieel:rORie f;ll:lblieetioA fonned fro lfl predefined

portioRS of texl based Elata eneoded USiRg

ft

marlnlp langl:lsge, said method includin g the

steps of:
displaying in a first display regi on a selected

ORe

of said predefined portio n of an

electronic publication formed from predefined portions of text-based data encoded us ing
a markup langu age. each predefi ned portion hav in g at least one attribute be in g a
coordinate of an axis of said multidimensional space. wherein logical connections among
said predefined portions. and any logical connections between said predefined ponions
and predefined portions o f any further electronic publication data ·in said
multidimensiona l space, correspond 10 one or more axes of said multidimensional space

poniSRS iii 8: first display regioft; aftfi
displaying a point on a primary axis of said multidimensional space dependent
upon an attribute of said fer said displayed predefined portio n~
di splaying a second poin t on a second. viewing ax is orthogonal to said first ax is.
said second point being de ri ved from sa id first point depende nt upon .a ·log ical co nnection

-

-

-

between said di :-playcd .prcdeCined portion and a prede fin ed

port i o~

associated with said

second .poi nt: and
'A;rnc~",en"Af,~r Of li ce Aerinll ~\;.nk.'tt ·J ul y 8. 2C().l
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T8040926

.,
di ~p laying

information regarding said second point of said second axis in a second

display region. said first and second poi nt s being displayed in two display regions.

2.

"[Cancclled]

- --·-3,..·-·-[EancelledJ----- 4.

-.~ -- ---

- -- - . - - - - - .- - - -

[currently amended] The method according to claim

~

- - _ .-

-

1. allowing the display of

any number of points , and any number of axes derived from said first .poin!.

5.

[original] The method according to claim 4, wherein points are di splayed in two

di spJay regions.

6.

[original] The rpethod according to claim 4. for navigating among points, axes or

both , and for returning to said first point when required.
7.

[originaJ] The method according to claim I, wherein said first poi nt is an .anchor.

8.

[currently amended] The method according to claim;; 1. wherein said second

axis represents time-ba'icd versions of said
9.

~eJectcd

one of said predefined portions.

[original] The method according to claim I , where in said predefined porlion is a

provision of legislation,
[currently amended] The method according to c1aim.a 1; wherein said second

10.

axis represents search criteria and results cOrresponding to said seJ~cted one of said
predefin~d ·portion.s.

II .

[currently amended] A method of navigating in a multidimensional space having

three or more dimension!>, said multidimensional space containing an electronic
publication formed from predefined portions of text-based d ata encoded using a markup
language, said method including the steps of:
providing a vi ew compri sing at lenst two anchor sets;
Amcn(lmcnt Arter OFfici: I\ct ion M:litul July 8. 2()().1
Serial No. 091689.927
l'OlI:C 4

(.Jr 38

T8040927

displaying at least one base point and at least a first axis depending from sa id base
point;
displaying at least one of a further point and an axis derived from said base point;
navigating a multidimensional space formed by said points and axes;
returning to said base point when required; and
adjusting the view so a current view point becomes a new base point.
12,

[currently amended] An apparatus for navigating in a multidimensional space

having three or more dimensions containing an electronic publication fuFfflCd hom
flredefined panioHs of [eK! based data encoded tising a !flarlcup language, said apparatus
including:

a first display region;
means for displaying in said first display region a selected one or said predefined
portion of an e lectronic publication formed from predefined portions of text-based data
encoded using a markup language. each predefined portion having at least one attribute
being a coordinate of an axis of said multidimensional space. wherein logical connections
among said predefined portions. and any logical connections between said predefined
portions and predefined portions of any further electronic publication data in said
multidimensional space, correspond to one or more axes of said multidimensional space

pOFlions in saiil first display region; and
means for displaying a point on a selected axis of said multidimensional space
dependenr upon an attribute of sai d for said d is played predefined

portion~

ineans for displaying a second point on a second, viewing ax is orthogonal to sa id
selected axis. said second point being derived from said first axis at said first ,point

Amcndrn.:nl After Office Action' Mlliled July 8, 2004
St,ri~l Nc>. 09f68<J,927
f'~E~ S or)8

T8040928

','

"fA

dependent upon a logical connection between said di splayed predefined portion and a
predefined portion associated with said second point:
a second di splay region : and

___ - __ ..

means for displaying information regarding said second [?Oint of said second axis

- -- --.- .-.- - . _ -

--_ ._ -_._ .-

.

.

- -- - - -

in said sccond display region. said first and second points being displayed in two display
regions.

13.

[Cancelled]

14.

[Cancelled]

I S.

[currently amended] The apparatus according to claim -811, allowing the

di splay of any number of points, and any number of axes

16.

d~rivcd

from said first point.

[original] The apparatus according to claim IS, further including:
a second display region;
means for displaying said points in said first and second display regions .

17.

[original] The apparatus according to claim J S. further including:
mean s fo r navigating among points, axes or both, and returning to said first point

when required.

"18.

[original] The apparatus according to claim 12. wherein said first ·point is an

anchor.

[curremly amended] The apparatus according 10 claim +3 il, wherein said

19.

second axis represents time-based versions of said selected one of said predefined
portions.

/lmmdmcm

Ar!~r

Office A(!ion Mailed Ju ly 8. 2004

·Serb) No. 091689.927
r~Sc

.

6 of38

TB040929

20.

[original] The apparatus accordin g to claim 12, where in said predefined portion

is a .prov ision o f legislation.

2l.

(currently amended] The apparatus as claimed in claim H 12, where in said

- - - -- - - -- ---

..-- - --.

- --- -- - - - - - ---- _.--

seco nd axis represents search c riteria and results corresponding to said se lected one of
said predefined portions.

22.

-(currently amended] An apparatus for navigating in a multidimensional space

having three or more dimensions. said multidimensional space containi ng an e lectronic
publication formed from predefined portions of text-based data cncoded using a markup
languagc, said apparatus including:
means for providing a view comprising at least two anchor sets;
means for di splaying at least one base point and at least a first axis depending
from said base point;
means for displaying at least one of a further point and an axis derived from said
base point;
means for navigating a multidimensional space formed by said points and axes;
means for returning to said base ·point when -required; and
means for adjusting the view so a current v!ew.point becomes a new base point.
23.

lcurrently amended] A computer ·program product 'having a computer readable

medium having a computer program recorded therein for navigating in a
multidimensional space having three or more dimen sions eOAlaiAiAg _ eieelreAi e
uH

.publie8ti eA farmed frOR'l fl'Feclefifleel ponisAs of text based 8819 encoded l:ISiAg

EllflftFlittp

language , said computer .program product includin g:

ArllClld/1lefU ,\rr.:r OHicc ACliun' M:ailed July 8. 1004
Scrial No. 09/689,927
PJ gc 1 or 38

TB040930

',~

~I

computer program code means for displaying in a first display region a selected
OAe of saiEi predefined portion of an electronic publication formed from prcdcfined
portions or text-based data enccxled using a markup language, each predefined portion
having ut least one attribute being a coordinate of an axis of said multidimensional space,

- --- - -_ .- - - - - - - "_ ._.- - ---- - - -.- ._.- - - --

wherein logical connections among said predefined portjon s. and any logical connections

between said predefined portions and predefined ponion s of any rurther electronic
publication data in said multidimensional space. correspond to one or more axes of said
mult.idimensional space portions ia a HfSl Eiisplay regioA ; &R6
computer program code means for displaying a point o n a primary axis of said
multidimensional space dependent upon an attribute of said fer said displayed predefined
portion~

computer program code -means for displaying a second point on a second. viewing
axis orthogonal to said first axis, said second point being derived from said first point
dependent upon a logical connection between said displayed predefined portion an.d a
predefined portion associated with said second point: and
co~puter

program code means for displaying -information regarding said second

point of said second axis in a ·second display ·region. said first and .s econd points being
displayed in two display regions.

24.

[Cancelled]

25.

.(Cancelled]

26.

[currently amended] The computer program product accordin g to claim

~

23,

allowing the display of .m y numbcr of points, and any number of axes derived from said
first·point.
Am<!ndmc:nl Afl<!r Offict AClion Mailed Jll ly H. !004
s.,ri~1 No. .09/689.927

...

I'lgt 8 or 38

TB040931

27.

[original] The computer program product according to claim 26, further

incl udin g:
computer program code means for displaying a second dI splay region;
computer program code means for displaying said points in said first and second
display regions.

28.

[originalJ The computer program product according to claim 26, further

including:
computer program code means for navigating among points, axes or both, and
for returning to said first point when required.
29.

[original] The computer program product according to claim 23, wherein said

first point is an anchor.
30.

[currently amended] The computer program .product according to claim ~ 23,

wherein said second axis represents time-based versions of said selected one of said
predefined portions.
31.

[original] The computer program product according to claim 23, wherein said

prcdcfincd portion is a provision of legislation.
32.

tcurrently amended] The computer program .product as claimed in claim 24 23,

wherein said second axis repre sents search criteria and results corresponding to said
selected one of said predefined portions.
33.

[currently amendedJ A computer progratTl product having a computer readable

medium having a computer program recorded therein for navigating in a
multidimensional space having three or more dimensions. said multidimensional space

AllIcruJmenl Afler orflCc AClion Mailc<.l J,!l y 8. 2(J().1
S~ri;d No. 0'){689.927
Page 9 of 38

T8040932

',',

~,

containing an electronic publication fonned from predefined portio ns of lext-based data
encoded llsi llg a markup language, s.lid computer program product incl udin g:
computer program code means for providing a view co mprisin g at least two
anchor sets;

- - - - --- - - -

-- _._._ - -

computer program code means for displaying at least one base point and at least a
first axis depending from said base point;
computer program code means for displaying other points, axes or both derived
from said base point;
computer program code means for navigating a multidimensional space fonned
by said poi nts and axes;
computer program code mean s for returning to said base point when required; and
computer program code means for adjusting the view so a current view point
becomes a new base point.
34.

[currently amended] A method ofpuhlishing an electronic publication fo rmed

from predefined portions of text-based data encoded using a markup language , said ·
method including the steps of:
s'toring predefined portions in termin al nodes; and
providin.g one or more higher level nodes for organising said terminal nodes to
correspOnd with a hierarchic al structure embodied in said electronic publication, where in
each higher -level node consists of the identity of a.parent ·node, a .position indicator for
said hi gher level node. and an

identjfier~

wherein one o f said higher level nodes has a null parent identi ty, and sa id-position
indic'ltor indicates a pOSiti on of said highe r leve l ,node .rel ative

.-

10

a sib ling node .

AII Il.-noJUlcnl Afler Ofrk.: "elKIn M:JikoJ j"l>' :-I, 2(1()..:
5.:riJt No. 0')/689,911 .
!':Ig... 1 of 38
0

.

T8040933

.,

~f

35.

[Cancell ed]

36.

'[original) The method according to c1nim 34, comprisi ng the further step of:
associating e.tch of said predefined portions with a corresponding scope definin g

the lime during which each said predefined porti on is valid.
37.

[Cancelled]

38.

[original] The method according to claim 34, including the further step of:

storing at least one modified portion in said terminal nodes.
39.

[original] The method according to claim 34, wherein said predefined portions

correspond to a relational database represented in nat file records.
40.

[original] The method according to claim 34, including the further steps of:
dividing XML data into predefined portions; and
storing said predefined portions a<; Oat files.

41.

[ori gi nal] The method according to clai m 40, wherein said (enrunal node

includes a label of said publication.
42 .

[original) The method according to claim 41 , wherein said label is data

associated with a hi gher level node of said lenninal nodc.
43.

[original] The method according to claim 34, wherein each said ,terminal node
includes the identity of a parent node, a position indicator fo r·said terminal node.
and an identifier.

44.

-[ori ginal ] The method according to claim 43, wherein said position indicator

indicates a position of said terminal node relati ve to a sibling node.
45.

[original) The method according to claim 36, wherein each said terminal node is .

id.e nlified by the combimltion of said terminal nodc 's ide nt ifier and scope.

Amendme nl Aft<,;( Office ,\clio"

M ~iktl

July 8.

:?O().I

SenJI No. 09/689,927
Page I i of 38

T8040934

';',

11

46.

[original] The mcthod according to claim 36, wherein the scope assoc iated with
, ~O;

..

.

' • •,

••

•

' , '

•

•

,.".

~.~

.

•

a higher level node is dependent upon one or morc scopes of one or more corresponding
descendant nodes.

_.. __ .- - - --_.. _--- - -- - --------------- "
-47.

[original] The method according to claim 43 , wherein said terminal node

includes one of said predefined portions and said at least one modified portions.
48,

[original] The method according to claim 43, wherein said terminal node

includes a label of said publication.

49.

[original] The melhod according to claim 48. wherein said label is data

associated with a higher level node of said lennina.! node.
50.

[original] The method according 10 claim 34, wherein said prede fine d ponion

includes lext associated wi th a commentary.
5 J.

[original] The method according to claim 36, wherein said scope .includes a start

date and an end date.
52.

{original] The method according to claim 5 1, wherein said scope further includes

an update dale .
53.

[original] The method according to claim 50, wherein said predefined ponion

has a scope includi~g a start date, an end date and an update dale; said update date being
later than said start date and earlier lhan said end date.
54.

'[c~rrentJy amended] An apparatus for ,publishing an e1ectronic .publ ication

fanned from :predefincd portions of text-based data encoded using a markup language,
said apparatus includin g:
means for storing prede fi ned portions in ter:minal nodes; and

Amcnd ....rm Arc". OHir.:c Aeli()n M!lilctl Ju ly 8,
Seri!l l No_09/689.927

2{J()4

"age L2()f38

T8040935

\.

"',
means for providing one or more higher leve l nodes fo r organising said terminal
nodes to correspond with a hierarchical stmcturc embodied in said electronic publication,
wherein each higher leve l node consists of the identity of a parent node, a position
indicator for said higher level node, and an

identifier~

wherein one of said higher level nodes has a null parent node identity. and said
position indicator indicates a position of said higher level node relative to a sibling node.
55.

[Cancelled]

56.

roriginal] The apparatus according to claim 54, further including:
means for associating each of said predefined pOl1ions with a corresponding

scope defining the time during which each said predefined portion is valid.
57.

[Cancelled]

58.

[original] The apparatus according to claim 54, further including:
means for storing at least one modified portion in said tenninal nodes.

59.

[original] The apparatus according to claim 54, wherein said predefined portions

correspond to a relational database represented in flat file records.
60.

[original] The apparatus according to claim 54, further including:
means for dividing XML data into prcdcfincd .portions; and
means for storing said predefined portions as flat files.

61.

loriginalJ The apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said tenninal node

includes a label of said publication.
62.

[original] The <lpparatus according to claim 61, wherein said label is data

associated with a higher level node of said terminal node.

Amcmhncnl AOer Orficc AC lion Maikd July 8. 2004
Serial No. 091689.927

Page 13 oDS

T8040936

••.
63.

[original] The apparatus according to claim 54, wherein each said term inal node

.' -- -c-~~--~---~ -

~

..

-------"--,

'"--- - ~
.

___

~-

includes the identity of a parent node, a posi tion indicator for said terminal node, and an
identifier.
64.

[ori gi nal] The apparatus according to claim 61 , wherein said position indicator

indicmes a pos iti on of said terminal node relative to a sibling node.
65.

[original] The apparatus according to claim 56, wherein each said terminal node

is identified by the combination of said terminal node's identifier and scope.

66.

[origin al] The apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the scope associated

with a higher level node is dependent upon one or more scopes of one or more
corresponding descendant nodes.
67.

[original] The apparatus according to claim 61, wherein said terminal node

includes one of said predefi ned portions and said at least one modified portions.
68.

[original] The apparatus according to claim 61, wherein said terminal includes a

label of said publication.
69.

[original] The apparatus according to claim 68, wherein said label is data

associated with a hi gher level node of said terminal node.
70.

-[originalJ The apparatus according to claim 54, wherein said predefined portion

includes text associated with ,a commentary.
?l.

[original] The apparatus according to claim 56, wherein said scope includes a

starr date and an end date.
72.

[origin al] The apparatus according to claim 71, wherein said scope funhcr

includes an update date.

Amend ment After Oflicc Ac! ;on Mai led Ju ly 8.1004
Seri~1
P~gc

No. 0')1689,921
14 ...08

T8040937

73.

. lorigi nal] The apparatus according to claim 70, wherein said predefi ned po rtion

_ __

~,-_ _

- ..

- - --- ------.,--_-.

.....,~___e-

·has a scope including a start date , an e nd dale and an update date, sa id update date being
later [han said start date and earlier [han sai d end dat e.
74.
- .-

_ _
._-

[currently amended] A computer program product having a computer readable

----

.. -

- - - _.- - - ---- .- _.- -

-

._ ._- - -

medium having a computer program recorded therein for publi shing an electronic
publication formed from predefined portions oftex t·ba~ed data encoded using a markup
language, said computer program product including:
computer program code means fo r storing predefined poni ons in tenninal nodes;

and
computer program code means for pro viding onc or more higher level nodes for
organising said terminal nodes to correspond with a hierarchical structure embodied in
said electronic publication, wherein each higher level node consists of the identity of a
parent node, a position indicator for said higher level node , and an identifier;
wherein o ne of said higher level nodes has a null parent identity. and said
position .indicator indicates a position of said higher level node relative to a sibling

75.

[Cancelled]

76.

..::

[ori ginal] The computer program product according to claim 74, furt her

.including:
computer program code means fo·r assOCi ating each of said predefined portions
with a corresponding scope defining the time during which each said predefined portion

is valid.

17.

[Cance lled )

Amc numcnl Af1~r om" Acri,;n ""~ilcd Jul y S. 2Ul4
Seri~ 1 No. 091689.927
PuilelSof38

T8040938

' ;.

••

"
78_

[original] The computcr program product ac cordin g to claim 74, further

---.- •.

-~-"-~

includ ing:
computer program code mean s for storin g at least o ne modified porti on in said

--_._-

terminal nodes.

-

- _ .- - ---- --- -_.- - -- - - ------ - ---- -- - --

79.

[original] The computer program product according to claim 74, wherein said

predefined portions correspond to a relati onal database represented in flat file

80.

--- --_.-

r~cord s.

(original] The computer program product according to claim 74, further

including:
computer program code means for dividing XML data into predefined portions;

and
computer program code means for storing said predefined portions as flat files.

81 .

{original] The computer program product as claimed in claim 80, wherein said

terminal node includes a label of said publication.

82.

[original] The computer program product according Lo claim 81, wherein said

label is data assoc iated with a higher level node of said terminal node.

83.

[original] The computer program product as claimed ·i n claim 74, wherein each

parent node, a position indicator for said
said terminal node includes the identity of a _
terminal level node, and an identifier.

·84."

[original] The computer program product accordiI],g to claim 81 , wherein said

position indicator indicates a position of said tenninal node .relarive to a sibling nodc.
85 _

[original] The computer program product according 10 claim 76 , wherein each

.said terminal node is idenlifi ed by the combination of said lerminal node's identifier and
scope.

Anocoomo:n l Af1cr OUi te ACl ion f-b ikd Ju ly 8. 20)4
Scri ~ No. 09168<),921
· p~I>C 1 6or ~8

TB040939

...,
86.

[original] The computer program product according to claim 76, wherein the

scope associated with a hi gher level node is dependent upon one or more scopes of one or
morc corresponding descendant nodes.

87.

_.. - -

(ori ginal] The computer program product according to claim 81, wherein said

---

-

- -

- - -

- -

- - --

terminal node includes one of said predefined portions and said at least one modified
portions.
88.

[original] The computer program product according to claim 81, wherein said

tenninaJ node includes a label of said publi cation.

89.

[original] The computer program product according to claim 88, wherein said

Jabel is data associated with a higher level node of said tenninal node.
90.

[original] The computer program product according to claim 74 , wherein said

predefined portions includes text associated with a commentary.

91.

[original! The computer program product according to claim 76, wherein said

scope includes a start date and an end date.
92.

(original] The computer program product according to claim 91 , wherein said

,s cope further includes an update date.

93.

[original] The computer program product according to claim 90, wherein said

,predefined portion has a scope including a stan dale, an end datc and an update date, said
update date being later than said start date and earlier than said end date.

94.

[currently amended) A method of publishing an electronic publication formed

from predefined porti o ns of tex t-based data encoded using a markup language, said
Illc:thod including the steps of:
storing p redefined portions in terminal nodcs; and

Alllc nUl1k'fll ,\flc r Office Ael ;OIl ;\1 :,i!.::d Jul y S. 2()()1
Seria l No. ()')/IiS9.'J!7
'I'~I;" 11 ,-,f~8

TB040940

",

.~

provid ing one o r more higher level nodes for organising sa id terminal nodes to
correspond with a hierarchical structure embodied in said electronic publication, wherein
each higher level node con sists of the identity of a parent node, a position indicator for
said higher level node , and an identifier, said predefined portion includes text associated

--_._ - - - - - - - - - - .. -- - ---- -_._ ._-_._ .- - - _._-with a commentary, and a scope including a start date, an end date and an update date,
said update date being later than said start date and earlier than said end date,;.
further wherein one of said higher IC,vel nodes has a null parent identity, and said
position indicator indicates a position of said higher level node relative to a sibl ing node.

95.

[original] The method according to claim 50. wherein said .predefined portion

has a scope including a start date and an update date.

s~ d

update date being Jater than

said start date.
'96.
ha~

[original] The apparatus according to claim 70, wherein said predefined portion
a scope including a stan date and an update date, said update date being Jater than

said start date.

97.

[original] The computer program product according to claim 90, wherein said

predcfincd portion has a scope including a start date and an update date, said update date
being ·Iater than said start date.
98.

[New] The method according to claim '1, wherein said second axis is selected

from the .group of viewing axes consisting of: sequential, hierarchical, temporal, source.

case law, annotations, subject, part number, category. location, and owner axes.
99.

.[New] The apparatus according to claim 12. wherein said second axis is selected

from the group of view in g axes cons ist ing of: seq uential,. hierarchical , temporal ; source,
case law, annotations, subjec t, pan nu mbe r. category, locati on, and ow ner ;IXCS.

Amo.:null"!Cnr ,'frcr omCf ,\( I;n n
No. 0<)16119.927
f'JbC IIIor38

~[~ikd

SloIy 8. 2(04

S<!ri~[

T804094t

.~-

',~

[New] The com puter program product according to claim 23, wherein said

100.

second axis is selected from the group of viewing axes consisting of: sequen ti al,
hierarchical, temporal, source, case law, annotations, subjec t, parI number, category,
location, and owner axes,

" .'

,

'Amcrnlmem ,\flcr Ofli\:c i\l:li OIl l\1:lilccl Ju ly 8.
Scri~l

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2~

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No. 0<J!68'J.9l7·

"~&c-I'Jo'rJ8

T8040942

'.1

REMARKS
The App licant s ha ve re'vie\';ed the Office Action mailed hiliS" 2004. C laims 1,"4
,

' 0 12, 15 '023,26'034, 36,38 '054, 56, 58 '0 74,76, and 78 '0 100 arc pendin g in .he
appli cation, w ith Claims 1, 11,12,22,23,33,34,54, 74, and 94 being independent

claim... Claims 2, 3,13, 14,24 , 25,35,37, 55,57,75, and 77 have been cancell ed
_ .-

\viHioUl prejudice or disCiaimerofihes ubjcct matter contained therein: " -

_ .-

-

-- -

Reconsideration and further examination ate respectfully requested.
Applicants have carefully reviewed the Examiner's remarks and the applied
references and respectfully submit that the claims as amended are now patentably
distinguishable over the applied references for at least the following reasons.

5.

Claims 1·7, 12-18, and 23-29 were rejected under 35 U.S.C.·§ l02(b) as being

anticipated by U.S. Patent No. 5,963,208 (Dolan et al.).
Independent Claim 1 has been amended. Suppon for the amendment is found in
Claims 2 and 3, the features of which are now recited in the amended form of Claim 1.
Claims 2 and 3 have been cancelled.
Claim I is directed to providing and displaying a flrst point and a second point on
respective ftrst and second axes to enable·navi gation of a multidimensional space
containing an electronic publication formed from predefined portions of text-based data.
The App,icants submit that the term " multidimeflsional space" would be readily
understood by a person skilled in the art to describe a space defined by a plurality of
inte rscct~ng

axes. Claim I has been amended to recite Ihat thc multidimensiona1 space

has three or more dimensions, as supported at page lO,lines 5-6 of lntemational
Publication No. WO 98/34179 (PCT/AU98/00050), which is incorporated .into this
application by cross-referencc.
The multidimensional spacc of claim I is defined by axes corresponding to logical
con nections among predefined 'portions of an electronic publication, and any logica l
connections that may exist between the predefined portions of the electronic publication
and predefined porti Qns of any furthe r electronic publicat ion data in the multid imensi onal
space, as supponcd by page I at

line~

II to 22, and page 8, 'line IS to page ·9, line 2 .

.Furt her support is found .tt p=:.ge 9, lines
. > ...• . .

9~26

o f Illlcrnat iona l·Publ ication No . WO

,'UlCu(J n'C n( MI<:rOfri~ " <:(il)<l ~I :,ikd July 8. 2(l().1
Scril l No. 09/589,927
'

Pal;:c 20 or 38

T8040943

'.'
98/34179 (peTI AU98/00050), whi ch is incorporated into this applicati on by cross-

reference . Page 12 of the desc ription of th is application desc ribes a multid imensional
space containing an e lectronic publication that may be navigated in respect of a numbe r
of viewing axes. The axes are orthogonal to one another, as described in the specification
at page 12, lines 16- 17. The electronic publication is not restricted to being navigated in

-

_.

- - -- - --- -- - -

-

-- - -- --

- --

- -

--

a sequential manner, a....; is the case with conventional paper-based publications. Claim I

provides multi-dimensional navigation throu gh a fixed data space defined by the
predefined portions of the electronic publication.
The first and second point s and information pertaining thereto are presented in
first and second display rcgions to provide the user with the ability to navigate a
document along any number of provided axcs , whilst maintaining context for the portio n
of tex t currently being viewed. Importantly, the second axis is derived from the first
point, ensuring that the information displayed in the second display region rel ating to [he
second point on the second axis is linked to the predefined portio n currently being viewed
in the fi rst display region .

Do/all provides a seamlessly extensible two-dimensional hierarchy al lowing

access to arbitrary data. Dolan provides a portion displayed in a fir st display region
(Figure 1. 104). A first point on a first axis is displayed in a second display region 102 to
provide a user with con text for the displayed portion. The hierarchical structure
presented in the second d isplay regi on 102 relates to a two-dimensional space. The
structure provides a user with context for a currently viewed portion by presentin g
multiple

poinL~

along a first axis. Thus, a second point may only be selected from a fixed

hierarchy relating to a first ax is. Do/an docs not present and display a second point on a
second orthogonal axis and information pertaining thereto to provide the user with
suffic ien t context for the di splayed portion to enable the user to navigate a
multi dimensional space of three or more dimens ions.
Applicants submit that Do/an does not teach navigat ion of a multidimensional
space defined by axes co rres pondin g to logical connectio ns among ,prede fi ned ,portions of
an electronic document. Further, Do/all fails to teach o r suggest the provision of fi rst and
second d ispl ay reg ions and the furthcr di splay of fi r.'1 and second points, t·he second po int
t\llIcmLn\:1'I1 AftcrOfrt cc A c1ion Mailnl July8. 2004
SeriJ' No. 09/689.921

Pal,'': 21 uD 8

T8040944

being derived from the first point, to provide a u ser with con lext for a displayed
-predefined porti on o f the ·eleclforiic docu-m·eI1L Accordingly·, Applicants submit that th e
features of Claim I ure neither taught nor sugges ted by Dolan and thus C laim I and
pending dependent claims 4 to 12 are novel in light of Dolan.
Independen t claims 12 and 23 have been amended in a similar manner 10 the
-

- - - - -- - -amendments dcscribedabov·e T relation to claim
n

Tby incorporating-the- features (;"f :

- - - --

Claims 13 and 14, and Claims 24 and 25, respectively. Applicants submit that Claims 12
and 23 and the claims that depend therefrom arc allowable for the ·reasons presented
above in respect of Claim 1.,

6,

Claims 34-35, 37·38, 43-44, 47, 54-55, 57-58, 63-64, 67, 74-75, 77-78, 83-84,

and 87 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. § l02(b) as being anticipated by U.S. Patent
No. 5,892,513 (Fay).
Independent Claim 34 has ·been amended, Support for the amendment is found in
Claims 35 and 37, the features of which are now recited in the amended form of Claim

34_ Claims 35 and 37 have been cancelled. Claim 34 provides a method of publishing an
electronic publication through the provision of an hierarchical structure. The electronic
pubJication is formed from predefined portjons of text-based data, which are stored in
lennina! nodes of the hierarchical structure. Thus. the data content o f the electronic
publication is contained ·in the ·terminal nodes.
Higher level nodes are p rovided to organise the terminal nodes in accordance

wi~h

the hierarchical structure . Each higher level node contains the identity of it parent node, a
position indicator for the node and an identifier. One of the higher level nodes is the apex
of the hierarchical structure and contains a null parent node identity. Further, the position
indicator in each higher level node ·indicates a position of a given node rdative to a
sibling nodc. The attributes of the hi gher level node distinguish the claimed invention
fro m the cited art, as it is the resulting structure that enables the data stored in the
terminal nodes to be organised in a manner to all ow ea..'ly navigution through the
e lectronic document .

.

.

,\lllcnJmO:nl AfI~r Oni" " cli..." Mailed July 8, 2004
Saill No. 09/689.917
I'~i:c ~2

... D8

T8040945