2006 Budget Request: $80M for “electronic process for patent applications”

According to Government Computer News, President Bush’s FY2006 budget request includes $80M for the Patent Automation System to develop an electronic process for patent applications.

What in the world does that mean? On first glance, this snippet gave me hope that an improved electronic filing system (EFS) is on the way (I’m looking for reasons to have hope these days…). But, after thinking about it for awhile, I’m a little confused. The money goes to the “Patent Automation System.” I have no idea what this “system” does or who has access to it. Is it an umbrella term that encompasses the EFS and other electronic systems at the office? A Google search of uspto.gov for the PAS gives only two results, neither of which provide much insight.

Does anyone have any insight on the PAS and its purpose? An idea on what these monies would be used for would be a bonus…

Thanks to Nipper for the tip.