Description
GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE CLASS SUBJECT MATTER
This class is structured into two main divisions: (A) GenericControl System, Apparatus or Process and (B) SpecificApplication, Apparatus or Process
(1)Note. In establishing Class 700, patents frompertinent subclasses in Classes 364 and 395 were directly translatedinto corresponding subclasses in the new class. The generalstructure of Class 700 parallels that of Class 364 from which itis derived and reflects the atypical location of generic subjectmatter (subclasses 1-89) in hierarchical superiorityto specific applications (subclasses 90-306). Notesregarding patent placement are found below.
(A) This is the generic class for the combinationof a data processing or calculating computer apparatus (or correspondingmethods for performing data processing or calculating operations) ANDa device or apparatus controlled thereby, the entiretyhereinafter referred to as a "control system".
(1)Note. Control systems which claim control of or controlby a particular art device or environment are classified in the"Specific Application, Apparatus or Process" area of thisclass. Control systems which are not so limited are classifiedin the "Generic Control System, Apparatus or Process" area ofthis class. Control systems which are limited to a particularart device or environment but also include at least one claim to thegeneric control are classified in the "Generic Control System, Apparatusor Process" area.
(2)Note. An example of such a control system includesa data processing or calculating computer interactively connectedto an external device to sense a condition (e.g., position) ofsuch external device. The processed data representing thesensed condition develops a control signal to be applied to suchexternal device to perform a control function (e.g., optimization).
(3)Note. "Apparatus" as used herein does not includeinternal control features of a computer which are classified elsewhere.
(4)Note. Classification herein is based on control systemstructure or function. The search for particular detailsof the data processing or calculating computer structural entityis elsewhere in this class.
(5)Note. For classification herein the "Apparatus" beingcontrolled must be only nominally recited. Control systemswhich are limited by the claims to a particular type of processor have a specific utility are classified in the "Specific Application, Apparatus orProcess" area of this class. Control systems which recitespecific steps of a process or have structural details to a particular typeof apparatus are classified with the appropriate art device. Forexample: the claimed recitation of (a) acontrolled chemical process is classified in the "Generic ControlSystem, Apparatus or Process" area of this class, (b) acontrolled distillation process is classified in the "Specific Application, Apparatusor Process" area of this class and (c) a controlledchemical process which involves a recited chemical reaction, isclassified in one of the chemical classes.
(6)Note. Where there is nominal claim recitation ofthe device or apparatus and nominal data processor or computerstructure claimed, the control system is classifiable hereinonly when there is no class providing for the device or apparatus.
(7)Note. Control systems which include an algorithmpeculiar to a specific art by claim disclosure are excluded fromthis class and will be found in the class wherein the specific artis classified.
(B) This is also the generic class fordata processing or calculating computer apparatus (or correspondingmethods for performing data processing or calculating operations) whereinthe data processing or calculating computer apparatus is designedfor or utilized in a particular art device, system, process, orenvironment, or is utilized for the solution of a particularproblem in a field other than mathematics (arithmetic processingper se is classified elsewhere).
(1)Note. Control systems which claim control of or controlby a particular art device or environment are classified in the"Specific Application, Apparatus or Process" area of thisclass. Control systems which are not so limited are classifiedin the "Generic Control System, Apparatus or Process" areaof this class. Control systems which are limited to a particularart device or environment but also include at least one claim to thegeneric control are classified in the "Generic Control System, Apparatusor Process" area.
(2)Note. For classification herein, there must besignificant claim recitation of the data processing system or calculatingcomputer and only nominal claim recitation of any external art environment. Wheresignificant structure of the external device is recited by the claims, classificationis in the appropriate device class.
(3)Note. This and indented subclasses will accommodatedevices, systems, or processes which claim a controlof or a control by a particular art device or environment and donot have a generic claim to the control; see the "GenericControl" area of this class for generic control devices.
(4)Note. In view of the nature of the subject matterincluded herein, consideration of the classification schedulefor diverse art or environment is necessary for proper search.
(C) Significantly claimed apparatus externalto this class, claimed in combination with apparatus underthe class definition, which perform data processing orcalculation operations are classified in the class appropriate tothe external device unless specifically excluded therefrom.
(D) Nominally claimed apparatus externalto this class in combination with apparatus under the class definition isclassified in this class unless provided for in the appropriateexternal class.