DETAILED ACTION
The following is a final office action in response to applicant’s amendment filed on 05/12/2026 for response of the office action mailed on 02/12/2026. Independent claims 1, 21 and 29-30 are amended. No claims are added or cancelled. Therefore, claims 1-30 are pending and addressed below.
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
In event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claims 1-5, 21 and 29-30 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Islam396 et al. (2020/0037396 as submitted in IDS), Islam396 hereinafter , in view of Bala et al. (2023/0189147), Bala hereinafter, further in view of Wu et al. (2021/0152281), Wu281 hereinafter, further in view of Wu et al. (2019/0313332), Wu332 hereinafter.
Re. claims 1, 21 and 30, Islam396 teaches a method (Fig. 9 & ¶0059, ¶0061-¶0062) of wireless communication (Fig. 1/Fig. 6) at a user equipment (UE) (Fig. 1, 1400), a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing (Fig. 1, 1400 & ¶0025) computer executable code (Fig. 1, 1401/1402 & ¶0213/¶0221) at a user equipment (UE) (Fig. 1, 1400) and an apparatus (Fig. 1, 1400) for wireless communication (Fig. 1/Fig. 6/Fig.9) at a user equipment (UE) (Fig. 1, 1400), comprising: a memory (Fig. 1, 1400 & ¶0025); and at least one processor (Fig. 1, 1401) coupled to the memory and configured to: receive, from a base station, a configuration for discontinuous reception (DRX) operation (Fig. 9 & ¶0059 - In one example of the DRX mode operation of the UE, UE is acting based on a configured DRX mode, e.g., according to higher layer signaled DRX configuration. However, there can be two ON durations configured, a first ON duration when UE monitors for WUS, which if detected, triggers the UE to be ON for a subsequent duration. The first ON duration implies a period/duration during which UE monitors for WUS, i.e., the first duration comprises the monitoring occasions for WUS. Also, see ¶0061-¶0062 in reference to Fig. 9, DRX configuration may include drx-onDurationTimer-WUS as part of the configuration, Hence, the minimum ON duration every DRX cycle is drx-onDurationTimer-WUS, … Here drx-onDurationTimer-WUS comprises the monitoring occasions (i.e., a plurality of monitoring occasions) of WUS. In other words, UE receives DRX configuration, which includes drx-onDurationTimer-WUS. During the first ON duration as shown in Fig. 9, once UE detect WUS, it triggers the UE to be ON during the subsequent duration (the next DRX cycle as shown in Fig. 9). As shown in Fig. 9, during the Configured ON (where drx-onDurationTimer, starts), of the next DRX cycle, UE is awake for a plurality number of monitoring occasions (with M=>1), within the Configured ON of a single DRX operation, the number of monitoring occasions, is dictated/signaled by the drx-onDurationTimer-WUS parameter as disclosed supra.), wherein the configuration comprises a DRX on duration configuration comprising a DRX on duration activatable by a wake up signal (WUS) and a WUS configuration comprising a plurality of WUS monitoring occasions in a WUS monitoring window, and wherein the WUS monitoring window and the DRX on duration of the DRX operation overlap; (Fig.9 & ¶0059 – a first ON duration when UE monitors for WUS, which if detected, triggers the UE to be ON for a subsequent duration. The first ON duration implies a period/duration during which UE monitors for WUS, i.e., the first duration comprises the monitoring occasions (i.e., a plurality of monitoring occasions) for WUS. Fig.9 & ¶0061 - UE is operating with a DRX mode with two configured ON times. One being drx-onDurationTimer (e.g., configured ON time in FIGS. 9) and another drx-onDurationTimer-WUS (e.g., ON time (WUS) in FIGS. 9), where drx-onDurationTimer does not start unless WUS is detected during drx-onDurationTimer-WUS ….DRX configuration may include drx-onDurationTimer-WUS as part of the configuration. Hence, the minimum ON duration every DRX cycle is drx-onDurationTimer-WUS…. Here drx-onDurationTimer-WUS comprises the monitoring occasions of WUS (i.e., a plurality of WUS occasions !!!) for every DRX cycle!!. . Fig.9 & ¶0062 - In FIG. 9, it is assumed that drx-onDurationTimer starts immediately after drx-onDurationTimer-WUS ends and WUS is detected… In another example, there can be M=>1 monitoring occasions configured within the monitoring window for WUS. Here, monitoring window refers to ON time (WUS) drx-onDurationTimer-WUS in a DRX cycle; In other words, UE receives DRX configuration, which includes two configured ON times, namely, drx-onDurationTimer and drx-onDurationTimer-WUS. During the first ON duration as shown in Fig. 9, once UE detect WUS, it triggers the UE to be ON during the subsequent duration (the next DRX cycle as shown in Fig. 9). As shown in Fig. 9, during the Configured ON (where drx-onDurationTimer, starts), of the next DRX cycle, UE is awake for a plurality number of monitoring occasions (with M=>1), within the Configured ON of a single DRX operation, the number of monitoring occasions, is dictated/signaled by the drx-onDurationTimer-WUS parameter as disclosed supra. It is evident from the disclosure in ¶0062 along with Fig. 9, the WUS monitoring window (having a plurality of WUS monitoring occasions (with M=>1 in WUS monitoring window) and the on duration of the DRX operation <i.e., Configured ON > do overlaps each other, as because, the (having a plurality of WUS monitoring occasions (with M=>1 in WUS monitoring window) is within the monitoring window for WUS <i.e., Configured ON > as shown in Fig. 9. In fact, the aforementioned, disclosure by Islam396, is similar to instant application, at least in ¶0094, where it recites, “The WUS may be configured to comprise multiple WUS 804 which may be configured within an on duration”, quite contrast to applicant’s arguments at least in pages 9-10 as submitted on 01/30/2025); and monitor for communication from the base station based on the WUS configuration (Fig.9 & ¶0012 - FIG. 9 shows an example where UE immediately starts monitoring for PDCCH and other signaling for the configured ON duration after WUS is detected. Fig. 9 & ¶0059 - In one example of the DRX mode operation of the UE, UE is acting based on a configured DRX mode, e.g., according to higher layer signaled DRX configuration. However, there can be two ON durations configured, a first ON duration when UE monitors for WUS, which if detected, triggers the UE to be ON for a subsequent duration. The first ON duration implies a period/duration during which UE monitors for WUS, i.e., the first duration comprises the monitoring occasions for WUS. Also, see ¶0061-¶0062 in reference to Fig. 9.)
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein the WUS monitoring window is after an expected burst arrival time, receive, from the base station, a blind decode indicator associated with a blind decode operation on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); monitor for the WUS from the base station in a narrow bandwidth based on the WUS configuration, wherein the WUS comprises a sequence-based WUS, and wherein the sequence-based WUS carries a bandwidth switching indication from the narrow bandwidth to a wide bandwidth; perform the blind decode operation on the PDCCH in the wide bandwidth when based on the blind decode indicator permits the UE to perform the blind decode operation;
However, in the analogous art, Bala explicitly discloses wherein the WUS monitoring window is after an expected burst arrival time, (¶0020 - FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a WUS burst offset relative to an SS burst. Fig. 11 & ¶0210 - a WUS burst offset relative to an SS burst. A WUS burst may be monitored with a time offset with respect to the associated SS burst, e.g., as shown by example in FIG. 11.)
PNG
media_image2.png
320
440
media_image2.png
Greyscale
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system to include Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system, because it provides an efficient mechanism in reducing power consumption for the WTRU operating in the wireless communication system. (¶0097, Bala).
Yet, Islam396 and Bala do not expressly teach monitor for the WUS from the base station in a narrow bandwidth based on the WUS configuration, wherein the WUS comprises a sequence-based WUS, and wherein the sequence-based WUS carries a bandwidth switching indication from the narrow bandwidth to a wide bandwidth; receive, from the base station, a blind decode indicator associated with a blind decode operation on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); perform the blind decode operation on the PDCCH in the wide bandwidth when based on the blind decode indicator permits the UE to perform the blind decode operation;
However, in the analogous art, Wu281 explicitly discloses receive, from the base station, a blind decode indicator associated with a blind decode operation on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); perform the blind decode operation on the PDCCH in the wide bandwidth when based on the blind decode indicator permits the UE to perform the blind decode operation; (Fig. 1-28 & ¶0008 - receiving first information, the first information being used for indicating M DCI blind decoding(s); Fig. 1-28 & ¶0009 - monitoring a first-type radio signal respectively on each sub-band of S sub-band(s) in a first time-domain resource. Fig. 1-28 & ¶0011 - the first-type radio signal detected on the S sub-band(s) is used for determining the M1 DCI blind decoding(s) out of the M DCI blind decoding(s); M is a positive integer, M1 is a positive integer no greater than M, and S is a positive integer. Fig. 1-28 & ¶0012 - UE determines on which Radio Resource Control (RRC) configured PDCCH resources to perform blind decoding in the present burst in a wideband NR-U system that comprises multiple sub-bands. Fig. 1-28 & ¶0013 - the S sub-bands respectively correspond to different LBTs, and the first-type radio signal is transmitted only in (a) sub-band(s) of the S sub-bands that has(have) passed LBT. The base station indicates to the UE via the first-type radio signal on which PDCCH resources shall blind decoding be performed. Fig. 1-28 & ¶0014 - the base station makes dynamic adjustments to blind decoding performed by the UE on PDCCH resources according to LBT results, thereby ensuring that there are sufficient PDCCH resources in each burst and avoiding too many Physical Downlink Shared CHannel (PDSCH) resources being occupied by PDCCH resources, Fig. 1-28 & ¶0015 - UE only needs to perform blind decoding on PDCCH resources indicated by the first-type radio signal rather than on all RRC configured PDCCH resources, thus reducing the UE's processing complexity and power consumption.)
PNG
media_image3.png
548
913
media_image3.png
Greyscale
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system to include Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system, because it provides an efficient mechanism for a user equipment (UE) in performing blind decoding on PDCCH resources indicated by a base station, in turns, reduced UE's processing complexity and power consumption along with reduced signaling overhead of the base station operating in an Unlicensed Spectrum under the New Radio (NR) 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system. (¶0003/¶0015-¶0016, Wu281)
Yet, Islam396, Bala and do not Wu281 expressly teach monitor for the WUS from the base station in a narrow bandwidth based on the WUS configuration, wherein the WUS comprises a sequence-based WUS, and wherein the sequence-based WUS carries a bandwidth switching indication from the narrow bandwidth to a wide bandwidth;
However, in the analogous art, Wu332 explicitly discloses monitor for the WUS from the base station in a narrow bandwidth based on the WUS configuration, wherein the WUS comprises a sequence-based WUS, and wherein the sequence-based WUS carries a bandwidth switching indication from the narrow bandwidth to a wide bandwidth (Fig. 3 & ¶0030 - a narrowband operation and a wideband operation is configured for the UE with a wideband UE state corresponding to the one or more configured wideband BWP, and narrowband UE state corresponding to the one or more configured narrowband BWP. FIG. 3 illustrates a BWP configuration 310 for the UE with multiple BWP configured including BWP 311, 312 and 313. BWP 311 and 313 are narrowband BWP. Such BWP may include the initial active BWP of the UE. In one novel aspect, a power-saving BWP is also configured as a narrowband BWP. BWP 312 is a wideband BWP. At time 321, the UE is activated with BWP 311. At time 322, the UE activated with BWP 312. At time 323, the UE is activated with BWP 313. In one novel aspect, the narrowband BWPs 311 and 313 are associated with the configured UE state 331 for narrowband BWPs. Wideband BWP 312 is associated with the configured UE state 332 for wideband BWP. Each UE state is configured with a set of UE operations….at step 353, the UE receives switch signal indicating transitioning to a wideband BWP, such as BWP 312. Upon receiving the BWP transition signal, the UE also transitions from UE state 331 for narrowband BWP to UE state 332 for wideband BWP. …., the switch signal can be a wake-up signal. Fig. 1-7 & ¶00032 - the switching signal is 2-bit signal. For example, the 2-bit signal is carried in GC-PDCCH with two bits for BWP switching. It allows sequence-match like simple detection; minimized control decoding complexity…. other wake-up signal design occupying PDCCH CORSET resources can be considered….. the wake-up mechanism can be used as the BWP switching signal. Also, see ¶0026 along with claims 1 & 3);
PNG
media_image4.png
302
471
media_image4.png
Greyscale
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system, because it provides an efficient mechanism for a base station in supporting (user equipment) UEs operating with multiple BWPs (bandwidth parts) to facilitate a power-efficient operation for wider bandwidth for the base station operating in the 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system. (¶0002-¶0007, Wu332)
Re. claim 29, Islam396 teaches an apparatus (Fig. 1, 1400) for wireless communication (Fig. 1/Fig. 6/Fig.7) at a user equipment (UE) (Fig. 1, 1400), comprising: means for receiving, from a base station, a configuration for discontinuous reception (DRX) operation (Fig. 9 & ¶0059 - In one example of the DRX mode operation of the UE, UE is acting based on a configured DRX mode, e.g., according to higher layer signaled DRX configuration. However, there can be two ON durations configured, a first ON duration when UE monitors for WUS, which if detected, triggers the UE to be ON for a subsequent duration. The first ON duration implies a period/duration during which UE monitors for WUS, i.e., the first duration comprises the monitoring occasions for WUS. Also, see ¶0061-¶0062 in reference to Fig. 9, DRX configuration may include drx-onDurationTimer-WUS as part of the configuration, Hence, the minimum ON duration every DRX cycle is drx-onDurationTimer-WUS, … Here drx-onDurationTimer-WUS comprises the monitoring occasions (i.e., a plurality of monitoring occasions) of WUS. In other words, UE receives DRX configuration, which includes drx-onDurationTimer-WUS. During the first ON duration as shown in Fig. 9, once UE detect WUS, it triggers the UE to be ON during the subsequent duration (the next DRX cycle as shown in Fig. 9). As shown in Fig. 9, during the Configured ON (where drx-onDurationTimer, starts), of the next DRX cycle, UE is awake for a plurality number of monitoring occasions (with M=>1), within the Configured ON of a single DRX operation, the number of monitoring occasions, is dictated/signaled by the drx-onDurationTimer-WUS parameter as disclosed supra.); wherein the configuration comprises a DRX on duration configuration comprising a DRX on duration activatable by a wake up signal (WUS) and a WUS configuration comprising a plurality of WUS monitoring occasions in a WUS monitoring window, and wherein the WUS monitoring window and on duration of the DRX operation overlap; (Fig.9 & ¶0059 – a first ON duration when UE monitors for WUS, which if detected, triggers the UE to be ON for a subsequent duration. The first ON duration implies a period/duration during which UE monitors for WUS, i.e., the first duration comprises the monitoring occasions (i.e., a plurality of monitoring occasions) for WUS. Fig.9 & ¶0061 - UE is operating with a DRX mode with two configured ON times. One being drx-onDurationTimer (e.g., configured ON time in FIGS. 9) and another drx-onDurationTimer-WUS (e.g., ON time (WUS) in FIGS. 9), where drx-onDurationTimer does not start unless WUS is detected during drx-onDurationTimer-WUS ….DRX configuration may include drx-onDurationTimer-WUS as part of the configuration. Hence, the minimum ON duration every DRX cycle is drx-onDurationTimer-WUS…. Here drx-onDurationTimer-WUS comprises the monitoring occasions of WUS (i.e., a plurality of WUS occasions !!!) for every DRX cycle!!. . Fig.9 & ¶0062 - In FIG. 9, it is assumed that drx-onDurationTimer starts immediately after drx-onDurationTimer-WUS ends and WUS is detected… In another example, there can be M=>1 monitoring occasions configured within the monitoring window for WUS. Here, monitoring window refers to ON time (WUS) drx-onDurationTimer-WUS in a DRX cycle; In other words, UE receives DRX configuration, which includes two configured ON times, namely, drx-onDurationTimer and drx-onDurationTimer-WUS. During the first ON duration as shown in Fig. 9, once UE detect WUS, it triggers the UE to be ON during the subsequent duration (the next DRX cycle as shown in Fig. 9). As shown in Fig. 9, during the Configured ON (where drx-onDurationTimer, starts), of the next DRX cycle, UE is awake for a plurality number of monitoring occasions (with M=>1), within the Configured ON of a single DRX operation, the number of monitoring occasions, is dictated/signaled by the drx-onDurationTimer-WUS parameter as disclosed supra. It is evident from the disclosure in ¶0062 along with Fig. 9, the WUS monitoring window (having a plurality of WUS monitoring occasions (with M=>1 in WUS monitoring window) and the on duration of the DRX operation <i.e., Configured ON > do overlaps each other, as because, the (having a plurality of WUS monitoring occasions (with M=>1 in WUS monitoring window) is within the monitoring window for WUS <i.e., Configured ON > as shown in Fig. 9. In fact, the aforementioned, disclosure by Islam396, is similar to instant application, at least in ¶0094, where it recites, “The WUS may be configured to comprise multiple WUS 804 which may be configured within an on duration”, quite contrast to applicant’s arguments at least in pages 9-10 as submitted on 01/30/2025.); and means for monitoring for communication from the base station based on the WUS configuration (Fig.9 & ¶0012 - FIG. 9 shows an example where UE immediately starts monitoring for PDCCH and other signaling for the configured ON duration after WUS is detected. Fig. 9 & ¶0059 - In one example of the DRX mode operation of the UE, UE is acting based on a configured DRX mode, e.g., according to higher layer signaled DRX configuration. However, there can be two ON durations configured, a first ON duration when UE monitors for WUS, which if detected, triggers the UE to be ON for a subsequent duration. The first ON duration implies a period/duration during which UE monitors for WUS, i.e., the first duration comprises the monitoring occasions for WUS. Also, see ¶0061-¶0062 in reference to Fig. 9.)
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein the WUS monitoring window is after an expected burst arrival time,
However, in the analogous art, Bala explicitly discloses wherein the WUS monitoring window is after an expected burst arrival time, (¶0020 - FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a WUS burst offset relative to an SS burst. Fig. 11 & ¶0210 - a WUS burst offset relative to an SS burst. A WUS burst may be monitored with a time offset with respect to the associated SS burst, e.g., as shown by example in FIG. 11.)
PNG
media_image2.png
320
440
media_image2.png
Greyscale
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication to include Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system, because it provides an efficient mechanism in reducing power consumption for the WTRU operating in the wireless communication system. (¶0097, Bala).
Yet, Islam396 and Bala do not expressly teach means for monitoring for the WUS from the base station in a narrow bandwidth based on the WUS configuration, wherein the WUS comprises a sequence-based WUS, and wherein the sequence-based WUS carries a bandwidth switching indication from the narrow bandwidth to a wide bandwidth; means for receiving, from the base station, a blind decode indicator associated with a blind decode operation on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); means for performing the blind decode operation on the PDCCH in the wide bandwidth when based on the blind decode indicator permits the UE to perform the blind decode operation;
However, in the analogous art, Wu281 explicitly discloses means for receiving, from the base station, a blind decode indicator associated with a blind decode operation on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); means for performing the blind decode operation on the PDCCH in the wide bandwidth when based on the blind decode indicator permits the UE to perform the blind decode operation; (Fig. 1-28 & ¶0008 - receiving first information, the first information being used for indicating M DCI blind decoding(s); Fig. 1-28 & ¶0009 - monitoring a first-type radio signal respectively on each sub-band of S sub-band(s) in a first time-domain resource. Fig. 1-28 & ¶0011 - the first-type radio signal detected on the S sub-band(s) is used for determining the M1 DCI blind decoding(s) out of the M DCI blind decoding(s); M is a positive integer, M1 is a positive integer no greater than M, and S is a positive integer. Fig. 1-28 & ¶0012 - UE determines on which Radio Resource Control (RRC) configured PDCCH resources to perform blind decoding in the present burst in a wideband NR-U system that comprises multiple sub-bands. Fig. 1-28 & ¶0013 - the S sub-bands respectively correspond to different LBTs, and the first-type radio signal is transmitted only in (a) sub-band(s) of the S sub-bands that has(have) passed LBT. The base station indicates to the UE via the first-type radio signal on which PDCCH resources shall blind decoding be performed. Fig. 1-28 & ¶0014 - the base station makes dynamic adjustments to blind decoding performed by the UE on PDCCH resources according to LBT results, thereby ensuring that there are sufficient PDCCH resources in each burst and avoiding too many Physical Downlink Shared CHannel (PDSCH) resources being occupied by PDCCH resources, Fig. 1-28 & ¶0015 - UE only needs to perform blind decoding on PDCCH resources indicated by the first-type radio signal rather than on all RRC configured PDCCH resources, thus reducing the UE's processing complexity and power consumption.)
PNG
media_image3.png
548
913
media_image3.png
Greyscale
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system to include Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system, because it provides an efficient mechanism for a user equipment (UE) in performing blind decoding on PDCCH resources indicated by a base station, in turns, reduced UE's processing complexity and power consumption along with reduced signaling overhead of the base station operating in an Unlicensed Spectrum under the New Radio (NR) 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system. (¶0003/¶0015-¶0016, Wu281)
Yet, Islam396, Bala and do not Wu281 expressly teach means for monitoring for the WUS from the base station in a narrow bandwidth based on the WUS configuration, wherein the WUS comprises a sequence-based WUS, and wherein the sequence-based WUS carries a bandwidth switching indication from the narrow bandwidth to a wide bandwidth;
However, in the analogous art, Wu332 explicitly discloses means for monitoring for the WUS from the base station in a narrow bandwidth based on the WUS configuration, wherein the WUS comprises a sequence-based WUS, and wherein the sequence-based WUS carries a bandwidth switching indication from the narrow bandwidth to a wide bandwidth (Fig. 3 & ¶0030 - a narrowband operation and a wideband operation is configured for the UE with a wideband UE state corresponding to the one or more configured wideband BWP, and narrowband UE state corresponding to the one or more configured narrowband BWP. FIG. 3 illustrates a BWP configuration 310 for the UE with multiple BWP configured including BWP 311, 312 and 313. BWP 311 and 313 are narrowband BWP. Such BWP may include the initial active BWP of the UE. In one novel aspect, a power-saving BWP is also configured as a narrowband BWP. BWP 312 is a wideband BWP. At time 321, the UE is activated with BWP 311. At time 322, the UE activated with BWP 312. At time 323, the UE is activated with BWP 313. In one novel aspect, the narrowband BWPs 311 and 313 are associated with the configured UE state 331 for narrowband BWPs. Wideband BWP 312 is associated with the configured UE state 332 for wideband BWP. Each UE state is configured with a set of UE operations….at step 353, the UE receives switch signal indicating transitioning to a wideband BWP, such as BWP 312. Upon receiving the BWP transition signal, the UE also transitions from UE state 331 for narrowband BWP to UE state 332 for wideband BWP. …., the switch signal can be a wake-up signal. Fig. 1-7 & ¶00032 - the switching signal is 2-bit signal. For example, the 2-bit signal is carried in GC-PDCCH with two bits for BWP switching. It allows sequence-match like simple detection; minimized control decoding complexity…. other wake-up signal design occupying PDCCH CORSET resources can be considered….. the wake-up mechanism can be used as the BWP switching signal. Also, see ¶0026 along with claims 1 & 3);
PNG
media_image4.png
302
471
media_image4.png
Greyscale
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system, because it provides an efficient mechanism for a base station in supporting (user equipment) UEs operating with multiple BWPs (bandwidth parts) to facilitate a power-efficient operation for wider bandwidth for the base station operating in the 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system. (¶0002-¶0007, Wu332)
Re. Claim 2, Islam396, Bala, Wu281 and Wu332 teach claim 1.
Islam396 also teaches further comprising a transceiver (Fig. 1, 1402) coupled to the at least one processor (Fig. 1, 1401).
Re. Claim 3, Islam396, Bala, Wu281 and Wu332 teach claim 1.
Islam396 also teaches wherein the WUS configuration comprises a minimum time gap indicating a minimum gap between a received WUS and a time when a DRX on duration timer starts. (Fig.1-9 & ¶0062 - there is a gap between when drx-onDurationTimer-WUS ends and drx-onDurationTimer starts. This implies WUS is monitored at an offset before when drx-onDurationTimer can start. In FIG. 8, it is assumed that WUS may potentially indicate BWP, e.g., UE wakes up and start monitoring for regular BWP in a different, possibly, larger BWP than used for WUS monitoring. In another example, similar to what is shown in FIG. 8, WUS can be monitored in a small BWP (e.g., BWP 1) and if detected, UE may switch to a default/configured bandwidth part (e.g., BWP 2) or the bandwidth part where the UE was previously in before DRX mode was configured. In FIG. 9, it is assumed that drx-onDurationTimer starts immediately after drx-onDurationTimer-WUS ends and WUS is detected. A parameter can be identified Ngap which indicates the inactivity duration which starts after drx-onDurationTimer-WUS expires and ends before drx-onDurationTimer starts. Ngap can be expressed in symbols or slots in a given numerology or in ms, Ngap can be indicated as part of the WUS signaling. In another example, there can be M=>1 monitoring occasions configured within the monitoring window for WUS. In one example, if UE detects WUS early during the monitoring window, UE may sleep for the remaining duration of the monitoring window and turns ON when configured ON duration for PDCCH monitoring starts. In that context, Ngap can be expressed as the time between the location of successful detection of WUS and when ON duration for PDCCH monitoring starts.);
Re. Claim 4, Islam396, Bala, Wu281 and Wu332 teach claim 1.
Islam396 also teaches wherein the DRX on duration configuration comprises a plurality of DRX on duration timer start occasions within the DRX on duration, wherein one or more of the plurality of DRX on duration timer start occasions start after a start of the DRX on duration of the DRX operation. (Fig.1-9 & ¶0061 - In FIGS. 7-9 FIGS. 3(a)-3(c), UE is operating with a DRX mode with two configured ON times. One being drx-onDurationTimer (e.g., configured ON time in FIGS. 7-9) and another drx-onDurationTimer-WUS (e.g., ON time (WUS) in FIGS. 7-9), where drx-onDurationTimer does not start unless WUS is detected during drx-onDurationTimer-WUS and in one example drx-onDurationTimer-WUS drx-onDurationTimer. Fig.1-9 & ¶0062 - there is a gap between when drx-onDurationTimer-WUS ends and drx-onDurationTimer starts. This implies WUS is monitored at an offset before when drx-onDurationTimer can start. In FIG. 8, it is assumed that WUS may potentially indicate BWP, e.g., UE wakes up and start monitoring for regular BWP in a different, possibly, larger BWP than used for WUS monitoring. In another example, similar to what is shown in FIG. 8, WUS can be monitored in a small BWP (e.g., BWP 1) and if detected, UE may switch to a default/configured bandwidth part (e.g., BWP 2) or the bandwidth part where the UE was previously in before DRX mode was configured. In FIG. 9, it is assumed that drx-onDurationTimer starts immediately after drx-onDurationTimer-WUS ends and WUS is detected. A parameter can be identified Ngap which indicates the inactivity duration which starts after drx-onDurationTimer-WUS expires and ends before drx-onDurationTimer starts. Ngap can be expressed in symbols or slots in a given numerology or in ms, Ngap can be indicated as part of the WUS signaling. In another example, there can be M=>1 monitoring occasions configured within the monitoring window for WUS.).
Re. Claim 5, Islam396, Bala, Wu281 and Wu332 teach claim 4.
Islam396 also teaches wherein each of the plurality of DRX on duration timer start occasions is associated with a respective WUJS monitoring occasion of the plurality of WUS monitoring occasions in the WUS monitoring window. (Fig.1-9 & ¶0061 - In FIGS. 7-9 FIGS. 3(a)-3(c), UE is operating with a DRX mode with two configured ON times. One being drx-onDurationTimer (e.g., configured ON time in FIGS. 7-9) and another drx-onDurationTimer-WUS (e.g., ON time (WUS) in FIGS. 7-9), where drx-onDurationTimer does not start unless WUS is detected during drx-onDurationTimer-WUS and in one example drx-onDurationTimer-WUS drx-onDurationTimer. Fig.1-9 & ¶0062 - there is a gap between when drx-onDurationTimer-WUS ends and drx-onDurationTimer starts. This implies WUS is monitored at an offset before when drx-onDurationTimer can start. In FIG. 8, it is assumed that WUS may potentially indicate BWP, e.g., UE wakes up and start monitoring for regular BWP in a different, possibly, larger BWP than used for WUS monitoring. In another example, similar to what is shown in FIG. 8, WUS can be monitored in a small BWP (e.g., BWP 1) and if detected, UE may switch to a default/configured bandwidth part (e.g., BWP 2) or the bandwidth part where the UE was previously in before DRX mode was configured. In FIG. 9, it is assumed that drx-onDurationTimer starts immediately after drx-onDurationTimer-WUS ends and WUS is detected. A parameter can be identified Ngap which indicates the inactivity duration which starts after drx-onDurationTimer-WUS expires and ends before drx-onDurationTimer starts. Ngap can be expressed in symbols or slots in a given numerology or in ms, Ngap can be indicated as part of the WUS signaling. In another example, there can be M=>1 monitoring occasions configured within the monitoring window for WUS).
Claim 6 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Islam396, in view of Bala, in view of Wu281, in view of Wu332, further in view of Zhou et al. (2023/0209532), Zhou532 hereinafter.
Re. Claim 6, Islam396, Bala, Wu281 and Wu332 teach claim 4.
Yet, Islam396, Bala, Wu281 and Wu332 do not expressly teach wherein a value of a DRX on duration timer is configured via radio resource control (RRC) signaling.
However, in the analogous art, Zhou532 explicitly discloses wherein a value of a DRX on duration timer is configured via radio resource control (RRC) signaling. (Fig. 29-30 & ¶0312 - the one or more RRC messages may comprise configuration parameters of one or more DRX configurations, each DRX configuration corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of DRX cell groups and each DRX configuration being associated with one or more DRX configuration parameters. The one or more DRX configuration parameters of a DRX configuration, of the one or more DRX configurations, may comprise: a timer value of a DRX on duration timer (e.g., drx-onDurationTimer)).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Zhou532’s invention of a system and a method for scheduling adaptation and power saving for multicast and broadcast services in LTE or 5G wireless network, because it provides an efficient mechanism in reducing power consumption for a wireless device with improved signaling efficiency for a base station serving the wireless device. (¶0271/¶0321, Zhou532).
Claims 7-20 and 22-28 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Islam396, in view of Bala, in view of Wu281, in view of Wu332, further in view of Maleki et al. (2023/0104198), Maleki hereinafter.
Re. Claim 7, Islam396, Bala, Wu281 and Wu332 teach claim 1.
Yet, Islam396, Bala, Wu281 and Wu332 do teach not expressly teach wherein the configuration comprises a plurality of search space sets within the DRX on duration and prior to a scheduled arrival time of data, wherein at least one of the plurality of search space sets are deactivated prior to a subsequent scheduled arrival time of data.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses wherein the configuration comprises a plurality of search space sets within the DRX on duration and prior to a scheduled arrival time of data, wherein at least one of the plurality of search space sets are deactivated prior to a subsequent scheduled arrival time of data. (Fig. 3-9 & ¶0006 - Power savings is achieved by configuring the UE with a sparse search space for power savings and a packed search space for normal PDCCH monitoring. ….When the network expects to have downlink data to send, the network sends downlink control information (DCI) to the UE in the sparse search space to cause the UE to switch to the packed search space. Fig. 3-9 & ¶0008 - The network node (e.g., gNB) configures a UE with a first search space for PDCCH monitoring during an ON duration of a DRX cycle. The network node further configures the UE with a second search space for PDCCH monitoring during the ON duration of a DRX cycle, the second search space having a reduced amount of control channel resources compared to the first search space. The network node transmits DCI to the UE to switch the UE between the first search space and second search space as the active search space for PDCCH monitoring. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0056 - … the UE 100 may continue to use the packed search space as the active search space until it receives an indication from the network 10, or until a timer expires. Fig. 3-9 & ¶0058 - the network 10 has the capability to signal the UE 100 to activate or deactivate certain search spaces (e.g., sparse search space) either explicitly (using DCI, see ¶0043) or implicitly.)
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 8, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 and Maleki teach claim 7.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein a first search space set of the plurality of search space sets is active at a beginning of the DRX on duration, wherein a second search space set is activated if a data set is received within the DRX on duration.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses wherein a first search space set of the plurality of search space sets is active at a beginning of the DRX on duration, wherein a second search space set is activated if a data set is received within the DRX on duration. (Fig. 3-7 & ¶0054 - When the network 10 expects downlink data for the UE 100, the network 10 may send DCI to the UE 100 in the sparse search space to cause the UE 100 to change to the packed search space for PDCCH monitoring. For example, the network 10 may send DCI to the UE 100 at the beginning of the DRX ON duration if there is immediate data to be delivered. In other embodiments, the network 10 may send DCI to the UE 100 an any other time during the active time of the DRX cycle compatible with the sparse search space configuration. The network 10 may also send the DCI if it expects some data to be delivered to the UE 100 within the current active time.)
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 9, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 and Maleki teach claim 8.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein the second search space set is deactivated prior to a next data set being received by the UE.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses wherein the second search space set is deactivated prior to a next data set being received by the UE. (Fig. 3-7 & ¶0056 - If a downlink transmission is scheduled for the UE 100 on the PDSCH, the network 10 may send another switch command to the UE 100 at the end of the downlink data burst to switch the UE 100 back to the sparse search space if it does not expect any further downlink transmission to the UE 100 during the active time of the DRX cycle. Otherwise, the UE 100 may continue to use the packed search space as the active search space until it receives an indication from the network 10, or until a timer expires. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0058 - sparse search space and packed search space may be configured in different BWPS. In this case, the network 10 may send the UE 100 a scheduling DCI with a BWP change indication to cause the UE 100 to switch from the BWP with the sparse search space to the BWP with the packed search space. In some embodiments, the network 10 has the capability to signal the UE 100 to activate or deactivate certain search spaces (e.g., packed search space) either explicitly (i.e., DCI) or implicitly.)
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 10, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 and Maleki teach claim 8.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein the second search space set is deactivated based on predefined events.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses wherein the second search space set is deactivated based on predefined events. (Fig. 3-7 & ¶0056 - If a downlink transmission is scheduled for the UE 100 on the PDSCH, the network 10 may send another switch command to the UE 100 at the end of the downlink data burst to switch the UE 100 back to the sparse search space if it does not expect any further downlink transmission to the UE 100 during the active time of the DRX cycle. Otherwise, the UE 100 may continue to use the packed search space as the active search space until it receives an indication from the network 10, or until a timer expires. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0073 - at the end of a current data burst, the UE 100 is switched to the sparse search space, e.g. monitoring every 4th slot……At the end of the data burst, the UE 100 is switched back to the sparse search space.)
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 11, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 and Maleki teach claim 10.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein the predefined events comprise at least switching to a DRX off configuration or an expiration of an inactivity or retransmission timer.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses wherein the predefined events comprise at least switching to a DRX off configuration or an expiration of an inactivity or retransmission timer. (Fig. 3-7 & ¶0056 - If a downlink transmission is scheduled for the UE 100 on the PDSCH, the network 10 may send another switch command to the UE 100 at the end of the downlink data burst to switch the UE 100 back to the sparse search space if it does not expect any further downlink transmission to the UE 100 during the active time of the DRX cycle. Otherwise, the UE 100 may continue to use the packed search space as the active search space until it receives an indication from the network 10, or until a timer expires. Examiner interprets that only one of the claimed features to be mapped because of the presence of “at least “and “or”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 12, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 teach claim 1.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein the configuration comprises at least a first search space set active at a beginning of the DRX on duration, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: perform sparse monitoring of physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) within the first search space set prior to a scheduled burst arrival time.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses wherein the configuration comprises at least a first search space set active at a beginning of the DRX on duration, wherein the at least one processor (Fig. 10, 430) is further configured to: perform sparse monitoring of physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) within the first search space set prior to a scheduled burst arrival time. (Fig. 3-9 & ¶0006 - Power savings is achieved by configuring the UE with a sparse search space for power savings and a packed search space for normal PDCCH monitoring. The sparse search space contains fewer PDCCH resources than the packed search space and thus requires less energy to monitor. The network is aware of the search space being monitored by the UE and can signal the UE to switch between the two search spaces by sending downlink control information (DCI) to the UE in the search space being monitored by the UE. To conserve power, the network switches the UE to the sparse search space for PDCCH monitoring, which requires less energy than PDCCH monitoring in the packed search space. When the network expects to have downlink data to send, the network sends downlink control information (DCI) to the UE in the sparse search space to cause the UE to switch to the packed search space. Fig. 3-9 & ¶0008 - The network node (e.g., gNB) configures a UE with a first search space for PDCCH monitoring during an ON duration of a DRX cycle. The network node further configures the UE with a second search space for PDCCH monitoring during the ON duration of a DRX cycle, the second search space having a reduced amount of control channel resources compared to the first search space. The network node transmits DCI to the UE to switch the UE between the first search space and second search space as the active search space for PDCCH monitoring. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0054 - When the network 10 expects downlink data for the UE 100, the network 10 may send DCI to the UE 100 in the sparse search space to cause the UE 100 to change to the packed search space for PDCCH monitoring. For example, the network 10 may send DCI to the UE 100 at the beginning of the DRX ON duration if there is immediate data to be delivered. In other embodiments, the network 10 may send DCI to the UE 100 an any other time during the active time of the DRX cycle compatible with the sparse search space configuration. The network 10 may also send the DCI if it expects some data to be delivered to the UE 100 within the current active time.)
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 13, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 and Maleki teach claim 12.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: activate a second search space set to perform dense monitoring of the PDCCH within the second search space set, wherein the UE switches from the sparse monitoring of the PDCCH to the dense monitoring of the PDCCH.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses wherein the at least one processor (Fig. 10, 430) is further configured to: activate a second search space set to perform dense monitoring of the PDCCH within the second search space set, wherein the UE switches from the sparse monitoring of the PDCCH to the dense monitoring of the PDCCH (Fig. 3-7 & ¶0006 - When the network expects to have downlink data to send, the network sends downlink control information (DCI) to the UE in the sparse search space to cause the UE to switch to the packed search space. The DCI may comprise scheduling information, or a WUS-like signal indicating that the UE should switch search spaces for PDCCH monitoring. Fig. 5 & ¶0071 - In the second ON duration, the UE 100 wakes and monitors the PDCCH in the sparse search space. In this example, the UE 100 detects DCI in the sparse search space and switches to the packed search space in the second BWP to continue monitoring the PDCCH in the packed search space. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0123 - WUS-like behavior is enabled by having a sparse/single PDCCH monitoring occasion during a DRX ON duration and switching to a dense/multi PDCCH monitoring occasion via BWP switching when data is transmitted to the UE 100.)
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 14, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 and Maleki teach claim 13.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receive a downlink grant within the first search space set.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses wherein the at least one processor (Fig. 10, 430) is further configured to: receive a downlink grant within the first search space set (Fig. 3-7 & ¶0006 - When the network expects to have downlink data to send, the network sends downlink control information (DCI) to the UE in the sparse search space to cause the UE to switch to the packed search space. The DCI may comprise scheduling information, or a WUS-like signal indicating that the UE should switch search spaces for PDCCH monitoring. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0040 - When the network expects to have downlink data to send, the network sends downlink control information (DCI) to the UE 100 in the sparse search space to cause the UE 100 to switch to the packed search space. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0054 - When the network 10 expects downlink data for the UE 100, the network 10 may send DCI to the UE 100 in the sparse search space to cause the UE 100 to change to the packed search space for PDCCH monitoring).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 15, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 and Maleki teach claim 14.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein activation of the second search space set is indicated via downlink control information (DCI), wherein the second search space set is indicated by a value in the DCI.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses wherein activation of the second search space set is indicated via downlink control information (DCI), wherein the second search space set is indicated by a value in the DCI. (Fig. 3-7 & ¶0057 - the network 10 may send DCI scheduling a downlink transmission to the UE 100 in the sparse search space, which causes the UE 100 to switch search spaces. The DCI may include an additional bit field for a switch command or switch indication.).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 16, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 and Maleki teach claim 14.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein activation of the second search space set is indicated based on reception of the downlink grant.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses wherein activation of the second search space set is indicated based on reception of the downlink grant. (Fig. 3-7 & ¶0054 - When the network 10 expects downlink data for the UE 100, the network 10 may send DCI to the UE 100 in the sparse search space to cause the UE 100 to change to the packed search space for PDCCH monitoring. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0057 - the network 10 may send DCI scheduling a downlink transmission to the UE 100 in the sparse search space, which causes the UE 100 to switch search spaces. The DCI may include an additional bit field for a switch command or switch indication.).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 17, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 and Maleki teach claim 13.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein activation of the second search space set occurs after the scheduled burst arrival time.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses wherein activation of the second search space set occurs after the scheduled burst arrival time. (Fig. 3-7 & ¶0006 - When the network expects to have downlink data to send, the network sends downlink control information (DCI) to the UE in the sparse search space to cause the UE to switch to the packed search space. The DCI may comprise scheduling information, or a WUS-like signal indicating that the UE should switch search spaces for PDCCH monitoring. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0040 - When the network expects to have downlink data to send, the network sends downlink control information (DCI) to the UE 100 in the sparse search space to cause the UE 100 to switch to the packed search space. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0054 - When the network 10 expects downlink data for the UE 100, the network 10 may send DCI to the UE 100 in the sparse search space to cause the UE 100 to change to the packed search space for PDCCH monitoring).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 18, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 and Maleki teach claim 13.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein the second search space set is deactivated prior to a next data set being received by the UE.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses wherein the second search space set is deactivated prior to a next data set being received by the UE. (Fig. 3-7 & ¶0056 - If a downlink transmission is scheduled for the UE 100 on the PDSCH, the network 10 may send another switch command to the UE 100 at the end of the downlink data burst to switch the UE 100 back to the sparse search space if it does not expect any further downlink transmission to the UE 100 during the active time of the DRX cycle. Otherwise, the UE 100 may continue to use the packed search space as the active search space until it receives an indication from the network 10, or until a timer expires. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0058 - sparse search space and packed search space may be configured in different BWPS. In this case, the network 10 may send the UE 100 a scheduling DCI with a BWP change indication to cause the UE 100 to switch from the BWP with the sparse search space to the BWP with the packed search space. In some embodiments, the network 10 has the capability to signal the UE 100 to activate or deactivate certain search spaces (e.g., packed search space) either explicitly (i.e., DCI) or implicitly. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0073 - at the end of a current data burst, the UE 100 is switched to the sparse search space, e.g. monitoring every 4th slot……At the end of the data burst, the UE 100 is switched back to the sparse search space.)
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 19, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 and Maleki teach claim 18.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein the second search space set is deactivated via DCI.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses wherein the second search space set is deactivated via DCI. (Fig. 3-7 & ¶0058 - sparse search space and packed search space may be configured in different BWPS. In this case, the network 10 may send the UE 100 a scheduling DCI with a BWP change indication to cause the UE 100 to switch from the BWP with the sparse search space to the BWP with the packed search space. In some embodiments, the network 10 has the capability to signal the UE 100 to activate or deactivate certain search spaces (e.g., packed search space) either explicitly (i.e., DCI, see ¶0043) or implicitly. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0073 - at the end of a current data burst, the UE 100 is switched to the sparse search space, e.g. monitoring every 4th slot……At the end of the data burst, the UE 100 is switched back to the sparse search space.)
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 20, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 and Maleki teach claim 13.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein the second search space set is deactivated and the first search space set is activated based on predefined events or an expiration of an activity timer.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein the second search space set is deactivated and the first search space set is activated based on predefined events or an expiration of an activity timer. (Fig. 3-7 & ¶0040 - When the network expects to have downlink data to send, the network sends downlink control information (DCI) to the UE 100 in the sparse search space to cause the UE 100 to switch to the packed search space. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0042 - UE 100 is configured to wake during each PDCCH monitoring occasion to check for any scheduled downlink transmission to the UE 100. Generally, the sparse search space is configured with a longer periodicity than the packed search space and fewer monitoring occasions. In one embodiment, the sparse search space is configured with a periodicity longer than the ON duration of the DRX cycle or with a periodicity longer than the inactivity timer (IAT) so that the sparse search space provides one PDCCH monitoring occasions in each DRX cycle. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0056 - If a downlink transmission is scheduled for the UE 100 on the PDSCH, the network 10 may send another switch command to the UE 100 at the end of the downlink data burst to switch the UE 100 back to the sparse search space if it does not expect any further downlink transmission to the UE 100 during the active time of the DRX cycle. Otherwise, the UE 100 may continue to use the packed search space as the active search space until it receives an indication from the network 10, or until a timer expires. )
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 22, Islam396, Bala, Wu281 and Wu332 teach claim 21.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein the configuration comprises at least a first search space set active at a beginning of the DRX on duration, wherein the method further comprises: performing sparse monitoring of physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) within the first search space set prior to a scheduled burst arrival time.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses wherein the configuration comprises at least a first search space set active at a beginning of the DRX on duration, wherein the method further comprises: performing sparse monitoring of physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) within the first search space set prior to a scheduled burst arrival time. (Fig. 3-9 & ¶0006 - Power savings is achieved by configuring the UE with a sparse search space for power savings and a packed search space for normal PDCCH monitoring. The sparse search space contains fewer PDCCH resources than the packed search space and thus requires less energy to monitor. The network is aware of the search space being monitored by the UE and can signal the UE to switch between the two search spaces by sending downlink control information (DCI) to the UE in the search space being monitored by the UE. To conserve power, the network switches the UE to the sparse search space for PDCCH monitoring, which requires less energy than PDCCH monitoring in the packed search space. When the network expects to have downlink data to send, the network sends downlink control information (DCI) to the UE in the sparse search space to cause the UE to switch to the packed search space. Fig. 3-9 & ¶0008 - The network node (e.g., gNB) configures a UE with a first search space for PDCCH monitoring during an ON duration of a DRX cycle. The network node further configures the UE with a second search space for PDCCH monitoring during the ON duration of a DRX cycle, the second search space having a reduced amount of control channel resources compared to the first search space. The network node transmits DCI to the UE to switch the UE between the first search space and second search space as the active search space for PDCCH monitoring. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0054 - When the network 10 expects downlink data for the UE 100, the network 10 may send DCI to the UE 100 in the sparse search space to cause the UE 100 to change to the packed search space for PDCCH monitoring. For example, the network 10 may send DCI to the UE 100 at the beginning of the DRX ON duration if there is immediate data to be delivered. In other embodiments, the network 10 may send DCI to the UE 100 an any other time during the active time of the DRX cycle compatible with the sparse search space configuration. The network 10 may also send the DCI if it expects some data to be delivered to the UE 100 within the current active time.)
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 23, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 and Maleki teach claim 22.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach further comprising: activating a second search space set to perform dense monitoring of the PDCCH within the second search space set, wherein the UE switches from the sparse monitoring of the PDCCH to the dense monitoring of the PDCCH.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses further comprising: activating a second search space set to perform dense monitoring of the PDCCH within the second search space set, wherein the UE switches from the sparse monitoring of the PDCCH to the dense monitoring of the PDCCH. (Fig. 3-7 & ¶0006 - When the network expects to have downlink data to send, the network sends downlink control information (DCI) to the UE in the sparse search space to cause the UE to switch to the packed search space. The DCI may comprise scheduling information, or a WUS-like signal indicating that the UE should switch search spaces for PDCCH monitoring. Fig. 5 & ¶0071 - In the second ON duration, the UE 100 wakes and monitors the PDCCH in the sparse search space. In this example, the UE 100 detects DCI in the sparse search space and switches to the packed search space in the second BWP to continue monitoring the PDCCH in the packed search space. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0123 - WUS-like behavior is enabled by having a sparse/single PDCCH monitoring occasion during a DRX ON duration and switching to a dense/multi PDCCH monitoring occasion via BWP switching when data is transmitted to the UE 100.)
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 24, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 and Maleki teach claim 23.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach further comprising: receiving a downlink grant within the first search space set.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses further comprising: receiving a downlink grant within the first search space set. (Fig. 3-7 & ¶0006 - When the network expects to have downlink data to send, the network sends downlink control information (DCI) to the UE in the sparse search space to cause the UE to switch to the packed search space. The DCI may comprise scheduling information, or a WUS-like signal indicating that the UE should switch search spaces for PDCCH monitoring. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0040 - When the network expects to have downlink data to send, the network sends downlink control information (DCI) to the UE 100 in the sparse search space to cause the UE 100 to switch to the packed search space. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0054 - When the network 10 expects downlink data for the UE 100, the network 10 may send DCI to the UE 100 in the sparse search space to cause the UE 100 to change to the packed search space for PDCCH monitoring).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 25, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 and Maleki teach claim 24.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein activation of the second search space set is indicated via downlink control information (DCI), wherein the second search space set is indicated by a value in the DCI.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses wherein activation of the second search space set is indicated via downlink control information (DCI), wherein the second search space set is indicated by a value in the DCI. (Fig. 3-7 & ¶0006 - When the network expects to have downlink data to send, the network sends downlink control information (DCI) to the UE in the sparse search space to cause the UE to switch to the packed search space. The DCI may comprise scheduling information, or a WUS-like signal indicating that the UE should switch search spaces for PDCCH monitoring. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0040 - When the network expects to have downlink data to send, the network sends downlink control information (DCI) to the UE 100 in the sparse search space to cause the UE 100 to switch to the packed search space. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0054 - When the network 10 expects downlink data for the UE 100, the network 10 may send DCI to the UE 100 in the sparse search space to cause the UE 100 to change to the packed search space for PDCCH monitoring. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0057 - the network 10 may send DCI scheduling a downlink transmission to the UE 100 in the sparse search space, which causes the UE 100 to switch search spaces. The DCI may include an additional bit field for a switch command or switch indication.).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 26, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 and Maleki teach claim 24.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein activation of the second search space set is indicated based on reception of the downlink grant.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses wherein activation of the second search space set is indicated based on reception of the downlink grant. (Fig. 3-7 & ¶0006 - When the network expects to have downlink data to send, the network sends downlink control information (DCI) to the UE in the sparse search space to cause the UE to switch to the packed search space. The DCI may comprise scheduling information, or a WUS-like signal indicating that the UE should switch search spaces for PDCCH monitoring. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0040 - When the network expects to have downlink data to send, the network sends downlink control information (DCI) to the UE 100 in the sparse search space to cause the UE 100 to switch to the packed search space. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0054 - When the network 10 expects downlink data for the UE 100, the network 10 may send DCI to the UE 100 in the sparse search space to cause the UE 100 to change to the packed search space for PDCCH monitoring. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0057 - the network 10 may send DCI scheduling a downlink transmission to the UE 100 in the sparse search space, which causes the UE 100 to switch search spaces. The DCI may include an additional bit field for a switch command or switch indication.).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 27, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 and Maleki teach claim 23.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein activation of the second search space set occurs after the scheduled burst arrival time.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses wherein activation of the second search space set occurs after the scheduled burst arrival time. (Fig. 3-7 & ¶0006 - When the network expects to have downlink data to send, the network sends downlink control information (DCI) to the UE in the sparse search space to cause the UE to switch to the packed search space. The DCI may comprise scheduling information, or a WUS-like signal indicating that the UE should switch search spaces for PDCCH monitoring. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0040 - When the network expects to have downlink data to send, the network sends downlink control information (DCI) to the UE 100 in the sparse search space to cause the UE 100 to switch to the packed search space. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0054 - When the network 10 expects downlink data for the UE 100, the network 10 may send DCI to the UE 100 in the sparse search space to cause the UE 100 to change to the packed search space for PDCCH monitoring).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Re. Claim 28, Islam396, Bala, Wu281, Wu332 and Maleki teach claim 23.
Yet, Islam396 does not expressly teach wherein the second search space set is deactivated prior to a next data set being received by the UE.
However, in the analogous art, Maleki explicitly discloses wherein the second search space set is deactivated prior to a next data set being received by the UE. (Fig. 3-7 & ¶0056 - If a downlink transmission is scheduled for the UE 100 on the PDSCH, the network 10 may send another switch command to the UE 100 at the end of the downlink data burst to switch the UE 100 back to the sparse search space if it does not expect any further downlink transmission to the UE 100 during the active time of the DRX cycle. Otherwise, the UE 100 may continue to use the packed search space as the active search space until it receives an indication from the network 10, or until a timer expires. Fig. 3-7 & ¶0058 - sparse search space and packed search space may be configured in different BWPS. In this case, the network 10 may send the UE 100 a scheduling DCI with a BWP change indication to cause the UE 100 to switch from the BWP with the sparse search space to the BWP with the packed search space. In some embodiments, the network 10 has the capability to signal the UE 100 to activate or deactivate certain search spaces (e.g., packed search space) either explicitly (i.e., DCI) or implicitly.)
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Islam396’s invention of a system and a method for downlink control channel signaling for improving UE power consumption in a wireless communication system and Bala’s invention of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) power saving associated with idle mode in a wireless communication system and Wu281’s invention of a system and a method for supporting data transmission on Unlicensed Spectrum in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Wu332’s invention of a system and a method for UE adaptation framework for power saving in a 5G/New Radio (NR) wireless communication system to include Maleki’s invention of power saving techniques for downlink control channel monitoring, because it provides an efficient power saving techniques as a means to emulate Rel-16 WUS (wake-up signal) behavior, indicating whether a wireless device should monitor for a scheduling PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) in a given ON duration of DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle. (¶0072, Maleki)
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed on 05/12/2026 for 35 USC §103 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Regarding remarks in pages 8-9 for independent claim 1, applicant argues that Jiang et al. (2020/0214078 [Wingdings font/0xF3] old reference, not used in the instant office action) fails to teach, “monitor for the WUS from the base station in a narrow bandwidth based on the WUS configuration, wherein the WUS comprises a sequence-based WUS, and wherein the sequence-based WUS carries a bandwidth switching indication from the narrow bandwidth to a wide bandwidth”. See pages 8-9 of remarks as submitted on 05/12/2026.
Examiner agrees, however, in the analogous art, Wu332 (2019/0313332 [Wingdings font/0xF3] new reference) discloses the limitation as mapped in the §103 rejection.
For these reasons, it is maintained that independent claim 1 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Islam396, in view of Bala, in view of Wu281 (2021/0152281 [Wingdings font/0xF3] new reference), further in view of Wu332 (2019/0313332 [Wingdings font/0xF3] new reference).
For similar reasons, it is maintained that independent claims 21 and 29-30 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Islam396, in view of Bala, in view of Wu281 (2021/0152281 [Wingdings font/0xF3] new reference), further in view of Wu332 (2019/0313332 [Wingdings font/0xF3] new reference).
As all other dependent claims depend either directly or indirectly from the independent claims 1 and 21, similar rationale also applies to all respective dependent claims.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MOHAMMED SHAMSUL CHOWDHURY whose telephone number is (571)272-0485. The examiner can normally be reached on Monday-Thursday 9 AM- 6 PM EST (Friday Var.).
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Hassan Phillips can be reached on 571-272-3940. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/MOHAMMED S CHOWDHURY/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2467
Prosecution Insights