U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division |
U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
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Electronic Products Branch)
Class 703
DATA PROCESSING: STRUCTURAL DESIGN, MODELING, SIMULATION,
AND EMULATION
Class Definition:
This class provides for electrical data processing apparatus
and corresponding methods for the following subject matter:
A. Processes or apparatus for sketching or outlining of
layout of a physical object or part.
B. Processes or apparatus for representing a physical
process or system by mathematical expression.
C. Processes or apparatus for modeling a physical system
which includes devices for performing arithmetic and some
limited logic operation upon an electrical signal, such as
current or voltage, which is a continuously varying
representation of physical quantity.
D. Processes or apparatus for modeling to reproduce a
nonelectrical device or system to predict its performance or
to obtain a desired performance.
E. Processes or apparatus for modeling and reproducing an
electronic device or electrical system to predict its
performance or to obtain a desired performance.
F. Processes or apparatus that allows the data processing
system to interpret and execute programs written for another
kind of data processing system.
SCOPE OF THE CLASS
(1) Note. This class is limited to electrical data
processing apparatus and corresponding methods for structural
design, modeling, simulation, and emulation.
(2) Note. Claims directed to electrical digital logic
circuitry or miscellaneous active electrical nonlinear
devices and systems are classified elsewhere. See the SEE OR
SEARCH CLASS notes below.
(3) Note. Significantly claimed apparatus external to this
class, claimed in combination with apparatus under the class
definition, which perform structural design, modeling,
simulation, or emulation data processing are classified in
the class appropriate to the external device unless
specifically excluded therefrom.
(4) Note. Nominally claimed apparatus external to this class
in combination with apparatus under the class definition is
classified in this class unless provided for in the
appropriate external class.
Ii
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
73, Measuring and Testing, subclasses 152.01-152.62 for
borehole and drilling studying, in general.
222, Dispensing, subclass 78 and 79 for firearm dispensing
simulation.
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 323-375
for investigating borehole fluid.
326, Electronic Digital Logic Circuitry, appropriate
subclasses for the use of digital logic circuitry, in
general.
327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices,
Circuits, and Systems, appropriate subclasses for nonlinear
solid-state analog circuits, in general.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 853.1-856.4 for
telemetering and monitoring a wellbore environment.
345, Computer Graphics Processing, Operator Interface
Processing, and Selective Visual Display Systems, subclasses
419-443 for graphical object display modeling using
mathematical algorithm.
367, Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and
Devices, subclass 73 for synthetic seismograms and models.
434, Education and Demonstration, subclasses 28-71, 219, 220,
and 305 for vehicle related simulation for educational and
demonstration purposes; subclasses 72 through 76, 78, and 79
for architectural design; subclass 126 for demonstration of
fluid flow for educational purpose; subclass 218 for
simulating nuclear energy for educational purposes; and other
appropriate subclasses for simulating electrical systems for
demonstration or educational purposes.
700, Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific
Applications, subclasses 266-274 for chemical process
control or monitoring system, subclasses 281 through 285 for
a computer controlling fluid level or flow, subclasses 286
through 298 for computer control in electrical power
generation or distribution.
701, Data Processing: Vehicles, Navigation, and Relative
Location, appropriate subclasses for vehicle control and
guidance, in general.
702, Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing,
subclasses 6-9 for the application of a computer in well
logging or borehole studying, subclasses 19 through 21 for
biological and biochemical data processing analysis and
measurement, subclasses 22 through 32 for chemical data
processing analysis and measurement, subclasses 60 through 63
for electrical power parameter measurement, and subclasses 45
through 56 and 100 for fluid or fluid flow measurement.
708, Electrical Computers: Arithmetic Processing and
Calculating, appropriate subclasses for arithmetic processing
and calculating computer.
709, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Multiple Computer or Process Coordinating, subclass 100 for
virtual machine task and process management.
710, Electrical Computers and Digital Data Processing
Systems: Input/Output, subclasses 8-14 for assigning
operating characteristics to a peripheral device, subclasses
15 through 19 for detecting or observing operating
characteristics or conditions of a peripheral device, and
subclasses 62 through 74 for peripheral adapting, in
general.
713, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Support, subclass 500 for generation of clock, pulse, or
timing signal or analysis.
714, Error Detection/Correction and Fault Detection/Recovery,
subclasses 25-46 for locating fault in a computer system or
processor, subclass 38 for locating fault in a computer
program or software, and subclasses 724 through 745 for
digital logic test event generating.
716, Data Processing: Design and Analysis of Circuit or
Semiconductor Mask, subclass 6 for analyzing the timing
delay of a circuit design.
717, Data Processing: Software Development, Installation, and
Management, subclass 4 for determining efficiency of program
execution time analysis and subclasses 5 through 9 for
program code translator or compiler.
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1
STRUCTURAL DESIGN:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter comprising means or steps for sketching or
outlining of layout of a physical object or part.
(1) Note. Examples of such structural designs include space
planning, interior design, and design of building truss,
piping, or bridge.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
2 for modeling of a physical system.
7 for mechanical design and simulation.
8 for vehicle design and simulation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
434, Education and Demonstration, subclasses 72-76, 78, and
79 for architectural design.
Subclass:
2
MODELING BY MATHEMATICAL EXPRESSION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter comprising means or steps for representing a
physical process or system by mathematical expression.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
345, Computer Graphics Processing, Operator Interface
Processing, and Selective Visual Display Systems, subclass
419 and 420 for graphical object display modeling using
mathematical algorithm.
434, Education and Demonstration, subclasses 277-282 for
modeling crystal, molecular, or atom structure for
demonstration and educational purposes.
Subclass:
3
ELECTRICAL ANALOG SIMULATOR:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter comprising means or steps for modeling (i.e.,
artificially mimicking) a physical system which includes
devices for performing arithmetic and some limited logic
operation upon an electrical signal, such as current or
voltage, which is a continuously varying representation of
physical quantity and which is some function of quantities
such as direct proportion, inverse proportion, or square law
relationship.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
327, Miscellaneous Active Electrical Nonlinear Devices,
Circuits, and Systems, appropriate subclasses for nonlinear
solid-state analog circuits, in general.
708, Electrical Computers: Arithmetic Processing and
Calculating, subclasses 800-854 for analog calculating
computer.
Subclass:
4
Of electrical device or system:
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter
wherein the simulated system involves an electrical device or
system.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13 for simulating a digital electronic device or system.
Subclass:
5
Of physical phenomenon (e.g., heat, wave, geophysics):
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter
wherein the simulated system involves a physical phenomenon.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
367, Communications, Electrical: Acoustic Wave Systems and
Devices, subclass 73 for synthetic seismograms and models.
Subclass:
6
SIMULATING NONELECTRICAL DEVICE OR SYSTEM:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter comprising means or steps for modeling (i.e.,
artificially mimicking) to reproduce a nonelectrical device
or system to predict its performance or to obtain a desired
performance.
(1) Note. Examples of simulation of such nonelectrical
device or system includes tire tread noise, fog effect,
physical process, process time for manufacturing metal die,
evaluating human performance, or colored fabric or textile.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
3 for analog simulator of nonelectrical device or system.
Subclass:
7
Mechanical:
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter
wherein the nonelectrical system is a mechanical system.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
222, Dispensing, subclass 78 and 79 for dispensing
simulation (e.g., firearms).
Subclass:
8
Vehicle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter
wherein the simulated mechanical system involves a vehicle or
part thereof.
(1) Note. The term "vehicle" herein encompasses, for
example, automobile, aircraft, spacecraft, train, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
434, Education and Demonstration, subclasses 28-71, 219, 220,
and 305 for vehicle related simulation for educational and
demonstration purposes.
701, Data Processing: Vehicles, Navigation, and Relative
Location, appropriate subclasses for vehicle control and
guidance, in general.
Subclass:
9
Fluid:
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter
wherein the simulated system involves a liquid or gas flow
phenomenon.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
434, Education and Demonstration, subclass 126 for
demonstration of fluid flow for educational purposes.
700, Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific
Applications, subclasses 281-285 for a computer controlling
fluid level or flow.
702, Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing,
subclasses 45-56 and 100 for fluid or fluid flow
measurement.
Subclass:
10
Well or reservoir:
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter
wherein the fluid phenomenon simulated is that of a well or
reservoir.
(1) Note. Included herein are subject matter directed to
simulating boreholes and devices for pumping the fluid from a
well.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
73, Measuring and Testing, subclasses 152.01-152.62 for
borehole and drilling studying, in general.
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, subclasses 323-375
for investigating borehole fluid.
340, Communications: Electrical, subclasses 853.1-856.4 for
telemetering and monitoring a wellbore environment.
702, Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing,
subclasses 6-13 for the application of a computer in well
logging or borehole studying.
Subclass:
11
Biological or biochemical:
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter
wherein the simulated system is a biological or biochemical
system.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
700, Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific
Applications, subclasses 266-274 for chemical process
control or monitoring system.
702, Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing,
subclasses 19-21 for biological or biochemical data
processing analysis and measurement.
Subclass:
12
Chemical:
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter
wherein the simulated system is a chemical system.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
700, Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific
Applications, subclasses 266-274 for chemical process
control or monitoring system.
702, Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing,
subclasses 22-32 for chemical data processing analysis and
measurement.
Subclass:
13
SIMULATING ELECTRONIC DEVICE OR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter comprising means or steps for modeling (i.e.,
artificially mimicking) and reproducing an electronic device
or electrical system to predict its performance or to obtain
a desired performance.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
4 for simulation of an analog electrical device or system.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
434, Education and Demonstration, appropriate subclasses for
simulating electrical systems for demonstration or
educational purposes.
Subclass:
14
Circuit simulation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Subject
matter comprising means or steps for modeling and reproducing
an electrical or electronic circuit operation so as to
predict or analyze its behavior.
Subclass:
15
Including logic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Subject
matter wherein the simulated circuit consists of logic
circuit.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
326, Electronic Digital Logic Circuitry, appropriate
subclasses for the use of digital logic circuitry, in
general.
Subclass:
16
Event-driven:
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject
matter wherein the process of simulating a logic circuit is
driven by a predicated circumstance or occurrence.
(1) Note. The event-driven subject matter of this subclass
is at the logic circuit level. However, for the event-driven
simulation at the higher level, that is, system level, see
the SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS notes below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
17 for simulating an electronic device or system based on
the occurrence of a specified event.
Subclass:
17
Event-driven:
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Subject
matter wherein the process of simulating an electronic device
or electrical system is driven by a predicated circumstance
or occurrence.
(1) Note. The event-driven simulation of this subclass is at
a higher level, that is, system level. However, for
event-driven simulation at the logic level, see the SEE OR
SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS notes below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
16 for logic event-driven circuit simulation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
714, Error Detection/Correction and Fault Detection/Recovery,
subclasses 724-745 for digital logic test event
generating.
Subclass:
18
Power system:
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Subject
matter wherein the electrical system is a power system or a
powerplant.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
434, Education and Demonstration, subclass 218 for
simulating nuclear energy for educational purposes.
700, Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific
Applications, subclasses 286-298 for the application of a
computer in electrical power generation or distribution.
702, Data Processing: Measuring, Calibrating, or Testing,
subclasses 60-63 for electrical power parameter
measurement.
Subclass:
19
Timing:
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Subject
matter wherein the timing delay of the electrical device or
the electrical system is being simulated.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
713, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Support, 500-501 for generation of clock, pulse, or timing
signal or analysis.
716, Data Processing: Design and Analysis of Circuit or
Semiconductor Mask, subclass 6 for analyzing the timing
delay of a circuit design.
Subclass:
20
Target device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Subject
matter comprising means or steps for imitating the existing
hardware or software of a first processing unit to run
software applications on a second processing unit having a
second dissimilar processor.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
21 for simulation of a computer or a peripheral device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
709, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Multiple Computer or Process Coordinating, subclass 100 for
virtual machine task and process management.
Subclass:
21
Computer or peripheral device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Subject
matter comprising means or steps to model (i.e., artificially
mimic) the performance of a computer or a peripheral device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
710, Electrical Computers and Digital Data Processing
Systems: Input/Output subclasses 8-14 for assigning
operating characteristics to a peripheral device and
subclasses 15 through 19 for detecting or observing operating
characteristics or conditions of a peripheral device.
714, Error Detection/Correction and Fault Detection/Recovery,
subclasses 25-46 for locating fault in a computer system or
processor.
Subclass:
22
Software program (i.e., performance prediction):
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Subject
matter comprising means or steps to model (i.e., artificially
mimic) a computer software program so as to predict or
analyze its performance.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
714, Error Detection/Correction and Fault Detection/Recovery,
subclass 38 for locating fault in a computer program or
software.
717, Data Processing: Software Development, Installation, and
Management, subclass 4 for determining efficiency of program
execution time analysis.
Subclass:
23
EMULATION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Subject matter comprising means or steps that allow the data
processing system to interpret and execute programs written
for another kind of data processing system.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
709, Electrical Computers and Digital Processing Systems:
Multiple Computer or Process Coordinating, subclass 1 for
virtual machine task and process management.
717, Data Processing: Software Development, Installation, and
Management, subclasses 5-9 for program code translator or
compiler.
Subclass:
24
Of peripheral device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Subject
matter comprising means or steps for emulating a computer
peripheral device.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
710, Electrical Computers and Digital Data Processing
Systems: Input/Output, subclasses 62-74 for peripheral
adapting, in general.
Subclass:
25
I/O adapter (e.g., port, controller):
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject
matter comprising means or steps for emulating an I/O port or
controller.
Subclass:
26
Of instruction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Subject
matter comprising means or steps for emulating operation of a
first system (e.g., source CPU) by translating first system
(source CPU) instructions into second system (e.g., target
CPU) instructions for issue and execution by a second system
(target CPU).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
717, Data Processing: Software Development, Installation, and
Management, subclasses 5-9 for program code translator or
compiler.
Subclass:
27
Compatibility emulation:
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Subject
matter comprising means or steps for emulating operation of a
first data processing system to handle both data and programs
devised for some other type of computer system.
Subclass:
28
In-circuit emulator (i.e., ICE):
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Subject
matter comprising means or steps for debugging, verifying,
and developing the hardware and software of a target data
processing system in a source data processing system.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
717, Data Processing: Software Development, Installation, and
Management, subclass 4 for program code execution analyzer,
debugger, or monitor.
FOREIGN ART COLLECTIONS
The definitions below correspond to abolished subclasses from
which these collections were formed. See the Foreign Art
Collection schedule of this class for specific
correspondences. {Note: The titles and definitions for
indented art collections include all the details of the
one(s) that are hierarchically superior.}
Subclass: FOR 488
DESIGN AND ANALYSIS (364/488): Foreign art collection for
subject matter comprising means or steps for designing and
analyzing electrical components and circuits made up
thereof.
Subclass: FOR 500
COMPATIBILITY, SIMULATION, OR EMULATION OF SYSTEM COMPONENTS
(395/500): Foreign art collection for subject matter
including means or steps by which a digital data processing
system, memory, or peripheral is made compatible with or
caused to emulate or simulate another digital data processing
system, memory, or peripheral.
Subclass: FOR 512
STRUCTURAL DESIGN (364/512): Foreign art collection for
subject matter comprising means or steps for sketching or
outlining of layout of a physical object or part.
Subclass: FOR 578
SIMULATION (364/578): Foreign art collection for subject
matter wherein a system or process is represented by an
electrical model of the system or process.
Subclass: FOR 801
SIMULATOR (364/801): Foreign art collection for subject
matter wherein the computer is utilized as a model of some
physical or physiological system.
Subclass: FOR 802
Of electrical phenomenon, device, or system (364/802):
Foreign art collection for subject matter wherein the
simulated system involves an electrical phenomenon, device,
or system.
Subclass: FOR 803
Of fluid phenomenon, device, or system (364/803): Foreign art
collection for subject matter wherein the simulated system
involves a fluid phenomenon, device, or system.
Subclass: FOR 804
Well (364/804): Foreign art collection for subject matter
wherein the fluid phenomenon simulated is that of a well.
Subclass: FOR 805
Of vehicle, part thereof, or traffic (364/805): Foreign art
collection for subject matter wherein the simulated system
involves a vehicle, part thereof, or traffic.
Subclass: FOR 806
Of physical phenomenon (e.g., nuclear, heat, wave,
geophysics) (364/806): Foreign art collection for subject
matter wherein the simulated system involves a physical
phenomenon.
Information Products Division -- Contacts
Questions regarding this report should be directed to:
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Information Products Division
PK3- Suite 441
Washington, DC 20231
tel: (703) 306-2600
FAX: (703) 306-2737
email: oeip@uspto.gov
Last Modified: 6 October 2000