DETAILED ACTION
The amendments and remarks filed 9/5/2025 were received.
PRIOR ART
The following references are prior art:
1. (PTO-892 1/30/2025) US 2020/0367185 A1 (“Kim”) is prior art under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) since it published on 11/19/2020 before the effective filing date of the claimed inventions (07/17/2022).
2. (PTO-892 1/30/2025) NR Explained, Timing advance and transmission timing adjustments V15.11.0 (“NR Explained”), is prior art under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) since it was published 03/09/2022 before the effective filing date of the claimed inventions (07/17/2022).
CLAIM REJECTIONS — 35 U.S.C. 102
In the 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 (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) 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 following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
35 U.S.C. 102 Conditions for patentability; novelty.
(a) NOVELTY; PRIOR ART.—A person shall be entitled to a patent unless—
(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention
CLAIMS 1-5 and 7-30
Claims 1-5 and 7-30 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Kim for the reasons given below.
Claim 1
With respect to claim 1, Kim disclosed:
A first user equipment (UE) for wireless communication (Kim FIG. 17 disclosed transmitting (TX) UE 1760. The Examiner notes that the TX UE is described throughout Kim’s disclosure),
comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor communicatively coupled with the at least one memory, the at least one processor configured to cause the UE to perform the following operations (Kim [0145] disclosed, referring to FIG. 19, a UE 1900 includes a processor 1910, a memory 1920, and a transceiver 1930. Kim [0147] disclosed that the processor 1910 may implement the functions, processes, and/or methods proposed herein. Kim FIG. 19 illustrates the processor 1910 communicatively coupled with the memory 1920),
synchronize a transmission timing with a second UE via a communication link with the second UE (Kim [0080] disclosed that existing sidelink transmission is performed… after synchronization is obtained by multiple UEs through a common synchronization reference… [which may be] a sidelink synchronization signal (SLSS) transmitted by another UE through a sidelink. The UE obtaining synchronization through the above-described “synchronization reference” may start sidelink communication based on a symbol boundary derived from a common “synchronization reference.” Kim [0093] disclosed that FIG. 15 is an example of a flow chart of a procedure according to an example of the present specification. Kim [0094] disclosed that the receiving UE obtains synchronization for a sidelink (S1510). Kim [0098] disclosed that in step S1510, some of the synchronization-related features described below may be used. That is, the transmitting UE and the receiving UE may obtain synchronization from one “synchronization reference” according to the following method and specify a symbol boundary accordingly… UE1 according to the present specification (e.g., may be a transmitting UE or a receiving UE… UE1 may be a synchronization reference (sync reference) for transmitting an SLSS… UE2 may perform synchronization based on an SLSS transmitted by UE1. The Examiner finds that the TX UE (i.e., the claimed first UE) obtains synchronization with the RX UE (i.e., second UE) through the “synchronization reference” (i.e., the TX UE synchronizes its transmission timing with the RX UE’s reception timing) via a sidelink synchronization signal (SLSS) transmitted on a sidelink with between the TX UE and the RX UE (this sidelink reads on a communication link with the second UE)),
wherein the frame timing of the first UE or the frame timing of the second UE is in reference to a global synchronization timing (Kim [0080] Existing sidelink transmission is performed in a manner in which multiple wireless signals are transmitted/received through different frequency resources after synchronization is obtained by multiple UEs through a common synchronization reference. The above-described "synchronization reference" will be described in more detail below, but may be, for example, a satellite signal such as [global navigation satellite system] GNSS. Kim [0102] the UE 1 may directly receive a signal necessary for synchronization from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and perform synchronization with the GNSS. In this case, GNSS may be referred to as a synchronization reference for UE 1, and UE 1 may be expressed as being directly synchronized with GNSS. Kim [0114] The receiving UE 1770 may obtain synchronization from a synchronization reference and set a symbol boundary. Kim [0115] The receiving UE 1770 may perform decoding on the first wireless signal 1740 based on one receiver window 1720, in which case a start time of the receiver window 1720 may be the same as a start point of the symbol boundary. The Examiner finds that Kim disclosed that the frame timing of the first UE or the frame timing of the second UE (i.e., the synchronization of the symbol boundary between the UEs in Kim sets the frame timing) is in reference to a global synchronization timing (i.e., global navigation satellite system));
and transmit a sidelink transmission on the communication link with an offset before or after the sidelink transmission and in accordance with the transmission timing (Kim [0125] disclosed that as described above, step S1530 may be modified/omitted. Specifically, the receiving UE 1770 may indicate a timing advance (TA) value to the transmitting UE 1760… the transmitting UE may obtain a timing gap between an arrival time of an actual signal and a symbol boundary based on the first wireless signal 1740 and feedback information on the obtained timing gap to the transmitting UE 1760. When transmitting the second wireless signal [17]50, the transmitting UE 1760 may adjust a transmission time based on the feedback information. Through this, even if the receiving UE 1770 does not shift the start time of the receiver window, it may be possible to transmit a transmission signal within the receiver window. The Examiner finds that the TX UE transmit the second wireless signal 2150 (i.e., the sidelink transmission) on the sidelink (i.e., communication link) with a Timing Advance (i.e., an offset before or after the sidelink transmission) and in accordance with the synchronization reference (i.e., transmission timing)),
wherein a duration of the offset is based at least in part on a maximum supported communication range of the first UE, a range of the communication link, and wherein the duration of the offset is further in accordance with the frame timing of the first UE or the frame timing of the second UE (Kim [0009] disclosed that if there is one transmitting UE and a size of propagation delay due to a distance between the transmitting UE and the receiving UE is greater than a length of a cyclic prefix (CP) applied/included in the received wireless signal… decoding may be difficult if a single receiver window is used without improving a start time of the receiver window. Kim [0080] Existing sidelink transmission is performed in a manner in which multiple wireless signals are transmitted/received through different frequency resources after synchronization is obtained by multiple UEs through a common synchronization reference. The above-described "synchronization reference" will be described in more detail below, but may be, for example, a satellite signal such as [global navigation satellite system] GNSS. Kim [0102] the UE 1 may directly receive a signal necessary for synchronization from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and perform synchronization with the GNSS. In this case, GNSS may be referred to as a synchronization reference for UE 1, and UE 1 may be expressed as being directly synchronized with GNSS. UE Kim [0112] disclosed that the receiving UE may obtain propagation delay for a plurality of wireless signals (especially, propagation delay applied to the second wireless signal) based on one wireless signal (e.g., the first wireless signal) whose CP length is set to be relatively long. Kim [0114] The receiving UE 1770 may obtain synchronization from a synchronization reference and set a symbol boundary. Kim [0115] The receiving UE 1770 may perform decoding on the first wireless signal 1740 based on one receiver window 1720, in which case a start time of the receiver window 1720 may be the same as a start point of the symbol boundary. Kim [0116] The receiving UE 1770 may acquire/calculate/estimate a size of the propagation delay 1730 applied to the first wireless signal 17 40 in the process of decoding the first wireless signal 1740. Kim [0117] The receiving UE 1770 may shift the start time of the initial receiver window 1720 based on the size of the propagation delay 1730. For example, a receiver window 1725 may be set to be shifted from the start point of the initial receiver window 1720 by the size of the propagation delay 1730. Kim [0125] disclosed that the receiving UE 1770 may indicate a timing advance (TA) value to the transmitting UE 1760. For example, the receiving UE 1770 may adjust a transmission timing (TX timing) by transmitting the propagation delay obtained/calculated/estimated based on the first wireless signal 1740 to the transmitting UE 1760. Kim [0130] disclosed that the receiving UE according to the present specification measures the distance to the transmitting UE and obtain propagation delay between the transmitting UE and the receiving UE by dividing the distance by a speed of light. The obtained propagation delay may be used to shift the receiver window 1725 for the second wireless signal 1750 or feedback a timing advance (TA) to the transmitting UE. The Examiner finds the length of the Timing Advance (i.e., a duration of the offset) is based at least in part on a calculated propagation delay between the TX UE and RX UE (i.e., first UE and the second UE), a distance/range between the TX UE and RX UE such that the propagation delay is not greater than the length of a cyclic prefix (e.g., a maximum supported communication range of the first UE), or a calculated distance between the TX UE and RX UE (i.e., a range associated with the communication link). Kim further disclosed duration of the offset is further in accordance with the frame timing of the first UE or the frame timing of the second UE (i.e., the shifting of the window in Kim is in reference to GNSS which is used to set the symbol boundary/frame timing)).
Claim 2
With respect to claim 2, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 1 (see rejection of claim 1 above),
wherein synchronizing the transmission timing with the second UE is based at least in part on the range satisfying a threshold (Kim [0009] disclosed that if there is one transmitting UE and a size of propagation delay due to a distance between the transmitting UE and the receiving UE is greater than a length of a cyclic prefix (CP) applied/included in the received wireless signal… decoding may be difficult if a single receiver window is used without improving a start time of the receiver window. Kim [0112] disclosed that the receiving UE may obtain propagation delay for a plurality of wireless signals (especially, propagation delay applied to the second wireless signal) based on one wireless signal (e.g., the first wireless signal) whose CP length is set to be relatively long. Kim [0125] disclosed that the receiving UE 1770 may indicate a timing advance (TA) value to the transmitting UE 1760. For example, the receiving UE 1770 may adjust a transmission timing (TX timing) by transmitting the propagation delay obtained/calculated/estimated based on the first wireless signal 1740 to the transmitting UE 1760. Specifically, the transmitting UE may obtain a timing gap between an arrival time of an actual signal and a symbol boundary based on the first wireless signal 1740 and feedback information on the obtained timing gap to the transmitting UE 1760… one TA value (or an offset value or a differential value derived from a previously agreed/signaled TA value) may be fed back based on an average value (or a weighted average value) of timing gaps obtained from different wireless signals or a TA value individually set for each wireless signal may be fed back. Kim [0130] disclosed that the receiving UE according to the present specification measures the distance to the transmitting UE and obtain propagation delay between the transmitting UE and the receiving UE by dividing the distance by a speed of light. The obtained propagation delay may be used to shift the receiver window 1725 for the second wireless signal 1750 or feedback a timing advance (TA) to the transmitting UE. The Examiner finds that synchronizing the transmission timing with the second UE (i.e., synchronizing TX UE 1760 and RX UE 1770 using the TA) is based at least in part on the range (i.e., calculated distance between the UEs), specifically the propagation delay due to a range/distance between the transmitting UE and the receiving UE being greater than a length of a cyclic prefix (i.e., satisfying a threshold).
Claim 3
With respect to claim 3, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 1 (see rejection of claim 1 above),
wherein the duration of the offset is specific to the first UE (Kim [0112] disclosed that the receiving UE may obtain propagation delay for a plurality of wireless signals (especially, propagation delay applied to the second wireless signal) based on one wireless signal (e.g., the first wireless signal) whose CP length is set to be relatively long. Kim [0125] disclosed that the receiving UE 1770 may indicate a timing advance (TA) value to the transmitting UE 1760. For example, the receiving UE 1770 may adjust a transmission timing (TX timing) by transmitting the propagation delay obtained/calculated/estimated based on the first wireless signal 1740 to the transmitting UE 1760. Kim [0130] disclosed that the receiving UE according to the present specification measures the distance to the transmitting UE and obtain propagation delay between the transmitting UE and the receiving UE by dividing the distance by a speed of light. The obtained propagation delay may be used to shift the receiver window 1725 for the second wireless signal 1750 or feedback a timing advance (TA) to the transmitting UE. The Examiner finds that the duration of the Timing Advance (i.e., offset) is specific to the TX UE (i.e., first UE) since, for example, it is based on the propagation delay with the TX UE and it is sent to the first UE).
Claim 4
With respect to claim 4, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 1 (see rejection of claim 1 above),
wherein the duration of the offset is specific to the communication link (Kim [0112] disclosed that the receiving UE may obtain propagation delay for a plurality of wireless signals (especially, propagation delay applied to the second wireless signal) based on one wireless signal (e.g., the first wireless signal) whose CP length is set to be relatively long. Kim [0125] disclosed that the receiving UE 1770 may indicate a timing advance (TA) value to the transmitting UE 1760. For example, the receiving UE 1770 may adjust a transmission timing (TX timing) by transmitting the propagation delay obtained/calculated/estimated based on the first wireless signal 1740 to the transmitting UE 1760. Kim [0130] disclosed that the receiving UE according to the present specification measures the distance to the transmitting UE and obtain propagation delay between the transmitting UE and the receiving UE by dividing the distance by a speed of light. The obtained propagation delay may be used to shift the receiver window 1725 for the second wireless signal 1750 or feedback a timing advance (TA) to the transmitting UE. The Examiner finds that the duration of the Timing Advance (i.e., offset) is specific to the sidelink with between the TX UE and the RX UE (i.e., the communication link)).
Claim 5
With respect to claim 5, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 1 (see rejection of claim 1 above),
wherein the duration of the offset is at least as long as a duration of a timing difference between the first UE and the second UE (Kim [0112] disclosed that the receiving UE may obtain propagation delay for a plurality of wireless signals (especially, propagation delay applied to the second wireless signal) based on one wireless signal (e.g., the first wireless signal) whose CP length is set to be relatively long. Kim [0125] disclosed that the receiving UE 1770 may indicate a timing advance (TA) value to the transmitting UE 1760. For example, the receiving UE 1770 may adjust a transmission timing (TX timing) by transmitting the propagation delay obtained/calculated/estimated based on the first wireless signal 1740 to the transmitting UE 1760. Specifically, the transmitting UE may obtain a timing gap between an arrival time of an actual signal and a symbol boundary based on the first wireless signal 1740 and feedback information on the obtained timing gap to the transmitting UE 1760… one TA value (or an offset value or a differential value derived from a previously agreed/signaled TA value) may be fed back based on an average value (or a weighted average value) of timing gaps obtained from different wireless signals or a TA value individually set for each wireless signal may be fed back. Kim [0130] disclosed that the receiving UE according to the present specification measures the distance to the transmitting UE and obtain propagation delay between the transmitting UE and the receiving UE by dividing the distance by a speed of light. The obtained propagation delay may be used to shift the receiver window 1725 for the second wireless signal 1750 or feedback a timing advance (TA) to the transmitting UE. The Examiner finds that the duration of the Timing Advance (i.e., offset) is at least as long as a duration of the calculated propagation delay or a timing difference (i.e., the timing gap) between the TX UE and RX UE (i.e., the first UE and the second UE)).
Claim 7
With respect to claim 7, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor, to cause the first UE to synchronize the transmission timing with the second UE (see rejection of claim 1 above),
is configured to cause the first UE to: identify the frame timing of the first UE based at least in part on a time value at the first UE (Kim [0054] disclosed that a UE may have a slot format (i.e., TDD format)… configured through a combination of a higher layer signal (RRC signal) and DCI. Kim [0064] disclosed that a sidelink (SL) is defined between the UEs 720… a resource allocated to the SL may be selected from UL resources. Specifically, a subframe (or a time resource such as a slot or the like) on a UL frequency through FDD or a subframe (or a time resource such as a slot or the like) allocated on UL through TDD may be allocated. Kim [0075] disclosed a control channel described herein is used for a signal including a resource position of a sidelink/D2D data channel transmitted by each transmitting UE in the same or succeeding time unit (e.g., subframe, TTI, slot, symbol) and control information (e.g., at least any one of MCS, MIMO transmission scheme, information element such as timing advance or the like) required to demodulate a corresponding data channel. Kim [0098] disclosed that the synchronization reference of UE1 may be the GNSS… UE1 operating based on GNSS. The Examiner finds that the TX UE (i.e., first UE) is configured to identify its slot formatting and subframe time resources (i.e., a frame timing of the first UE) using RRC or DCI signaling based at least in part on the global satellite navigation system (GNSS) time (i.e., a time value at the first UE) that the UE operates based on);
and transmit a synchronization signal corresponding to synchronization to the frame timing of the first UE (Kim [0080] disclosed a sidelink synchronization signal (SLSS) transmitted by another UE through a sidelink. The UE obtaining synchronization through the above-described “synchronization reference” may start sidelink communication based on a symbol boundary derived from a common “synchronization reference.” In addition, the receiving UE (RX UE) may acquire synchronization and set a receiver window (RX window) based on the symbol boundary set through the obtained synchronization. Kim [0098] disclosed that UE1 may be a synchronization reference (sync reference) for transmitting an SLSS, which is described below, while operating based on a GNSS. The Examiner finds that the TX UE/UE1 transmits an SLSS (i.e., a synchronization signal) associated with its GNSS synchronization reference (i.e., synchronization to the frame timing of the first UE)).
Claim 8
With respect to claim 8, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 7 (see rejection of claim 7 above),
wherein the offset is after the sidelink transmission when the frame timing of the first UE is based at least in part on the time value at the first UE (Kim [0095] disclosed that step S1530 may be modified/omitted. For example, without shifting the start time of the receiver window, the receiving UE may transmit feedback information (e.g., timing advance information) to the transmitting UE (or transmitting device) and controls the transmitting UE to change a transmission time. Thereafter, the receiving UE may decode the second wireless signal based on the receiver window (S1540). Kim [0098] disclosed that UE1 may be a synchronization reference (sync reference) for transmitting an SLSS, which is described below, while operating based on a GNSS (or eNB, gNB, LTE UE) synchronization reference described later, in which case the synchronization reference of UE1 may be the GNSS. Meanwhile, UE2 may not obtain a GNSS signal, and in this case, UE2 may perform synchronization based on an SLSS transmitted by UE1. Kim [0125] disclosed that the transmitting UE may obtain a timing gap between an arrival time of an actual signal and a symbol boundary based on the first wireless signal 1740 and feedback information on the obtained timing gap to the transmitting UE 1760. When transmitting the second wireless signal [17]50, the transmitting UE 1760 may adjust a transmission time based on the feedback information. Through this, even if the receiving UE 1770 does not shift the start time of the receiver window, it may be possible to transmit a transmission signal within the receiver window. The Examiner finds that the Timing Advance moves the sidelink transmission forward earlier in time (i.e., advances the timing) in order to match the receiver window (i.e., the time gap caused by advancing transmission timing means that the gap is “after the sidelink transmission”). Furthermore, TA is used when the TX UE’s slot format and subframe timing (i.e., frame timing) is based at least in part on the GNSS (i.e., the time value at the first UE)).
Claim 9
With respect to claim 9, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 7 (see rejection of claim 7 above),
wherein the synchronization signal indicates a location of the first UE (Kim [0090] disclosed that propagation delay may be applied to the first wireless signal 1410 and the second wireless signal 1420. A size of the propagation delay may be expressed as "d/c" according to a distance "d" between the transmitting UE and the receiving UE and a light speed "c". Kim [0109] disclosed that the first wireless signal may be an SLSS. The Examiner finds that the sidelink synchronization signal (SLSS) (i.e., the synchronization signal) indicates a distance “d” between the TX UE and RX UE (i.e., a location of the first UE)). The “distance” in Kim between a transmitting and receiving device defines a location covering the distance between the UEs.
Claim 10
With respect to claim 10, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 1 (see rejection of claim 1 above),
wherein the at least one processor, to cause the first UE to synchronize the transmission timing with the second UE, is configured to cause the first UE to determine the transmission timing such that a reception time, of the sidelink transmission at the second UE, is aligned with the frame timing of the second UE (Kim [0125] disclosed that as described above, step S1530 may be modified/omitted. Specifically, the receiving UE 1770 may indicate a timing advance (TA) value to the transmitting UE 1760… the transmitting UE may obtain a timing gap between an arrival time of an actual signal and a symbol boundary based on the first wireless signal 1740 and feedback information on the obtained timing gap to the transmitting UE 1760. When transmitting the second wireless signal [17]50, the transmitting UE 1760 may adjust a transmission time based on the feedback information. Through this, even if the receiving UE 1770 does not shift the start time of the receiver window, it may be possible to transmit a transmission signal within the receiver window. The Examiner finds that the TX UE (i.e., first UE) is configured to determine the transmission timing using the Timing Advance such that a reception time, of the sidelink transmission at the RX UE (i.e., the second UE), is within the receiver window (i.e., is aligned with a frame timing of the second UE)).
Claim 11
With respect to claim 11, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 10 (see rejection of claim 10 above),
wherein the offset is before the sidelink transmission when the transmission timing is determined such that the reception time is aligned with the frame timing of the second UE (Kim [0092] disclosed a technique of using one receiver window and shifting a start point of the receiver window is proposed. Specifically, the receiving UE may obtain propagation delay applied to the first wireless signal based on the wireless signal ( e.g., the first wireless signal) in which the CP length is set to be relatively long, determine a start time of the receiver window based on the obtained propagation delay, and perform decoding on the second wireless signal based on the receiver window. Kim FIG. 17 and [0117] disclosed that the receiving UE 1770 may shift the start time of the initial receiver window 1720 based on the size of the propagation delay 1730. For example, a receiver window 1725 may be set to be shifted from the start point of the initial receiver window 1720 by the size of the propagation delay 1730. The receiving UE 1770 may decode the second wireless signal 1750 based on the newly set receiver window 1725. The Examiner finds that the receiver window at the receiver is shifted later in time such that the transmission timing can correspondingly be considered to have a gap in timing before its transmission, which reads on the offset is before the sidelink transmission. This occurs when shifting the receiver window timing (rather than using TA feedback), which reads on when the transmission timing is determined such that the reception time is aligned with the frame timing of the second UE).
Claim 12
With respect to claim 12, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 10 (see rejection of claim 10 above),
wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the first UE to receive a synchronization signal from the second UE, wherein determining the transmission timing is based at least in part on the synchronization signal (Kim [0095] disclosed that the receiving UE may transmit feedback information (e.g., timing advance information) to the transmitting UE (or transmitting device) and controls the transmitting UE to change a transmission time. The Examiner finds that the TX UE (i.e., first UE) receives feedback timing advance information (i.e., a synchronization signal) from the RX UE (i.e., second UE), which is used by the TX UE to control transmission timing (i.e., determining the transmission timing is based at least in part on the synchronization signal)).
Claim 13
With respect to claim 13, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 1 (see rejection of claim 1 above),
wherein the at least one processor, to cause the first UE to synchronize the transmission timing with the second UE, is configured to cause the UE to synchronize the transmission timing according to a time value at a selected UE of the first UE and the second UE (Kim [0098] disclosed that UE1 may be a synchronization reference (sync reference) for transmitting an SLSS, which is described below, while operating based on a GNSS (or eNB, gNB, LTE UE) synchronization reference described later, in which case the synchronization reference of UE1 may be the GNSS. Meanwhile, UE2 may not obtain a GNSS signal, and in this case, UE2 may perform synchronization based on an SLSS transmitted by UE1. As a result, the synchronization reference ofUE2 (i.e., the direct synchronization reference) may be UE1 operating based on GNSS (or eNB/gNB). In this case, UE1 and UE2 may be treated as having different direct synchronization references, but if UE2 successfully decodes the SLSS of the UE1, the symbol boundaries obtained by UE1 and UE2 will be the same. The Examiner finds that UE1 (i.e., first UE) synchronizes the transmission timing according to GNSS synchronization reference of UE1 (i.e., a time value at a selected UE of the first UE and the second UE) where UE1 is selected to be the synchronization reference for UE2).
Claim 14
With respect to claim 14, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 13 (see rejection of claim 13 above),
wherein the selected UE is the first UE, and wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the first UE to transmit a synchronization signal for synchronization, by the second UE, to the frame timing of the first UE (Kim [0054] disclosed that a UE may have a slot format (i.e., TDD format)… configured through a combination of a higher layer signal (RRC signal) and DCI. Kim [0064] disclosed that a sidelink (SL) is defined between the UEs 720… a resource allocated to the SL may be selected from UL resources. Specifically, a subframe (or a time resource such as a slot or the like) on a UL frequency through FDD or a subframe (or a time resource such as a slot or the like) allocated on UL through TDD may be allocated. Kim [0075] disclosed a control channel described herein is used for a signal including a resource position of a sidelink/D2D data channel transmitted by each transmitting UE in the same or succeeding time unit (e.g., subframe, TTI, slot, symbol) and control information (e.g., at least any one of MCS, MIMO transmission scheme, information element such as timing advance or the like) required to demodulate a corresponding data channel. Kim [0098] disclosed that UE1 may be a synchronization reference (sync reference) for transmitting an SLSS, which is described below, while operating based on a GNSS (or eNB, gNB, LTE UE) synchronization reference described later, in which case the synchronization reference of UE1 may be the GNSS. Meanwhile, UE2 may not obtain a GNSS signal, and in this case, UE2 may perform synchronization based on an SLSS transmitted by UE1. As a result, the synchronization reference ofUE2 (i.e., the direct synchronization reference) may be UE1 operating based on GNSS (or eNB/gNB). In this case, UE1 and UE2 may be treated as having different direct synchronization references, but if UE2 successfully decodes the SLSS of the UE1, the symbol boundaries obtained by UE1 and UE2 will be the same. The Examiner finds that UE1 (i.e., selected UE is the first UE) transmits a sidelink synchronization signal (SLSS) (i.e., synchronization signal associated with synchronization, by the RX UE / second UE), to a slot format and subframe timing of the TX UE (i.e., a frame timing of the first UE)).
Claim 15
With respect to claim 15, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 14 (see rejection of claim 14 above),
wherein the offset is a first offset and the sidelink transmission is a first sidelink transmission (see rejection of claim 1 above regarding the offset and sidelink transmission, which are now considered a first offset and first sidelink transmission respectively),
and wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the first UE to receive a second sidelink transmission from the second UE, wherein the second sidelink transmission is not in accordance with a second offset (Kim [0080] disclosed that the UE obtaining synchronization through the above-described "synchronization reference" may start sidelink communication based on a symbol boundary derived from a common "synchronization reference." Kim [0095] disclosed that The receiving UE may set a start time of the receiver window for decoding the second wireless signal based on the first wireless signal (S1530). For example, the start time of the receiver window may be shifted according to the size of propagation delay applied to the first wireless signal. According to an example of the present specification, step S1530 may be modified/omitted. For example, without shifting the start time of the receiver window, the receiving UE may transmit feedback information (e.g., timing advance information) to the transmitting UE (or transmitting device) and controls the transmitting UE to change a transmission time. Kim [0125] disclosed that as described above, step S1530 may be modified/omitted. Specifically, the receiving UE 1770 may indicate a timing advance (TA) value to the transmitting UE 1760. For example, the receiving UE 1770 may adjust a transmission timing (TX timing) by transmitting the propagation delay obtained/calculated/estimated based on the first wireless signal 1740 to the transmitting UE 1760. The Examiner finds that when S1530 (shifting the receiver windows) is omitted and instead the RX UE transmits feedback information to the TX UE to indicate the Timing Advance that the TX UE uses for transmission, this situation in which the RX UE continues sidelink communications with the UE reads on receive a second sidelink transmission from the RX UE (i.e., second UE), wherein the second sidelink transmission is not in accordance with a shifted receiver windows (i.e., is not in accordance with a second offset)).
Claim 16
With respect to claim 16, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 15 (see rejection of claim 15 above),
wherein the selected UE is the second UE and the at least one processor is further configured to cause the first UE to receive a synchronization signal from the second UE, wherein the at least one processor, to cause the first UE to synchronize the transmission timing with the second UE, is configured to cause the first UE to advance a transmission timing of the sidelink transmission according to the frame timing of the second UE (Kim [0125] disclosed that step S1530 may be modified/omitted. Specifically, the receiving UE 1770 may indicate a timing advance (TA) value to the transmitting UE 1760. For example, the receiving UE 1770 may adjust a transmission timing (TX timing) by transmitting the propagation delay obtained/calculated/estimated based on the first wireless signal 1740 to the transmitting UE 1760. Specifically, the transmitting UE may obtain a timing gap between an arrival time of an actual signal and a symbol boundary based on the first wireless signal 1740 and feedback information on the obtained timing gap to the transmitting UE 1760. When transmitting the second wireless signal [17]50, the transmitting UE 1760 may adjust a transmission time based on the feedback information. Through this, even if the receiving UE 1770 does not shift the start time of the receiver window, it may be possible to transmit a transmission signal within the receiver window. The Examiner finds that, referring back to claim 13, the TX UE synchronizes the transmission timing according to a time value at a selected UE of the first UE and the second UE, where in claim 16, the selected UE is the second UE. In this case, the time value at the RX UE / selected UE that is used for synchronization at the TX UE / first UE is the a timing gap between an arrival time of an actual signal and a symbol boundary based on the first wireless signal 1740. The Examiner further finds that the TX UE / first UE receives that feedback information from the RX UE (i.e., receives a synchronization signal from the second UE), and advances a transmission timing of the sidelink transmission using the Timing Advance such that the transmissions are performed according to the non-shifted receiving window of the RX UE (i.e., a frame timing of the second UE).
Claim 17
With respect to claim 17, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 15 (see rejection of claim 15 above),
wherein the selected UE is a head UE (The Examiner notes that claim 17 depends on claim 15, which depends on claim 14, which recites “wherein the selected UE is the first UE.” Kim [0102] disclosed that UE 1 may be expressed as being directly synchronized with the BS. In addition, the UE 1 may directly receive a signal necessary for synchronization from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and perform synchronization with the GNSS. In this case, GNSS may be referred to as a synchronization reference for UE 1, and UE 1 may be expressed as being directly synchronized with GNSS. UE 1 may transmit SLSS and/or PSBCH for another UE after synchronization with the BS or GNSS. Kim [0103] disclosed that the UE 2 may perform synchronization by receiving a signal necessary for synchronization from the UE 1. Kim [0104] disclosed that UE 3 is a UE (OOC UE) located outside the cell coverage of the BS and may perform synchronization by receiving a signal required for synchronization from UE 2. The Examiner finds that UE1 (which is a TX UE as it transmits synchronization signals to another UE) is a head UE since “head” means chief or principal and the transmitting UE1 is the principal (i.e., first in order of importance; main) source of synchronization information for the other UEs that it has sidelinks with.).
Claim 18
With respect to claim 18, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 1 (see rejection of claim 1 above),
wherein the sidelink transmission includes sidelink control information in a pre-configured location (Kim [0067] disclosed that physical SL control channel (PSCCH) corresponds to a PDCCH of cellular communication. Specifically, the PSCCH is used to transmit sidelink control information (SCI) which is control information required to receive and demodulate the PSSCH. The SCI information is transmitted before an [SL traffic channel] STCH data block is transmitted. The Examiner finds that PSCCH transmissions (i.e., the sidelink transmission) includes SCI (i.e., sidelink control information) before an STCH data block transmission (i.e., in a pre-configured location)).
Claim 19
With respect to claim 19, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 1 (see rejection of claim 1 above),
wherein the sidelink transmission includes sidelink control information (Kim [0067] disclosed that physical SL control channel (PSCCH) corresponds to a PDCCH of cellular communication. Specifically, the PSCCH is used to transmit sidelink control information (SCI) which is control information required to receive and demodulate the PSSCH. The SCI information is transmitted before an [SL traffic channel] STCH data block is transmitted. The Examiner finds that PSCCH (i.e., a sidelink transmission) includes SCI (i.e., sidelink control information)),
and the at least one processor is further configured to cause the first UE to transmit, to the second UE, an indication of a location of the sidelink control information (Kim [0075] disclosed a control channel described herein is used for a signal including a resource position of a sidelink/D2D data channel transmitted by each transmitting UE in the same or succeeding time unit (e.g., subframe, TTI, slot, symbol) and control information (e.g., at least any one of MCS, MIMO transmission scheme, information element such as timing advance or the like) required to demodulate a corresponding data channel. The aforementioned signal may be transmitted together with the sidelink/D2D data by being multiplexed on the same resource unit. In this case, an [Scheduling Assignment] SA resource pool means a pool for a resource on which SA is transmitted by being multiplexed with the sidelink/D2D data. An SA control channel may be called a sidelink/D2D control channel or the like. The SA may correspond to the PSCCH described in FIG. 9. The Examiner finds that the TX UE (i.e., first UE) transmits, to the RX UE (i.e., second UE), scheduling assignment control information (i.e., an indication of a location of the sidelink control information))
Claim 20
Claim 20 recites limitations similar to claim 1, except that it is from the perspective of the receiver rather than the transmitter, and is rejected by the same reasoning.
Claim 21
Claim 21 recites limitations similar to claim 2 and is rejected by the same reasoning.
Claim 22
Claim 22 recites limitations similar to claim 7, except that it is from the perspective of the receiver rather than the transmitter, and is rejected by the same reasoning.
Claim 23
With respect to claim 23, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 22, wherein the offset is before the sidelink transmission when the frame timing is based at least in part on the frame timing of the second UE (Kim [0092] disclosed a technique of using one receiver window and shifting a start point of the receiver window is proposed. Specifically, the receiving UE may obtain propagation delay applied to the first wireless signal based on the wireless signal ( e.g., the first wireless signal) in which the CP length is set to be relatively long, determine a start time of the receiver window based on the obtained propagation delay, and perform decoding on the second wireless signal based on the receiver window. Kim FIG. 17 and [0117] disclosed that the receiving UE 1770 may shift the start time of the initial receiver window 1720 based on the size of the propagation delay 1730. For example, a receiver window 1725 may be set to be shifted from the start point of the initial receiver window 1720 by the size of the propagation delay 1730. The receiving UE 1770 may decode the second wireless signal 1750 based on the newly set receiver window 1725. The Examiner finds that the receiver window at the receiver is shifted later in time such that the transmission timing can correspondingly be considered to have a gap in timing before its transmission, which reads on the offset is before the sidelink transmission. This occurs when shifting the receiver window timing (rather than using TA feedback), which reads on when the transmission timing is determined such that the reception time is aligned with the frame timing of the second UE).
Claim 24
With respect to claim 24, Kim disclosed:
The first UE of claim 20 (see rejection above),
wherein the at least one processor, to cause the first UE to synchronize the reception timing with the second UE, is configured to cause the first UE to: identify a frame timing of the first UE based at least in part on a time value at the first UE (Kim [0054] disclosed that a UE may have a slot format (i.e., TDD format)… configured through a combination of a higher layer signal (RRC signal) and DCI. Kim [0064] disclosed that a sidelink (SL) is defined between the UEs 720… a resource allocated to the SL may be selected from UL resources. Specifically, a subframe (or a time resource such as a slot or the like) on a UL frequency through FDD or a subframe (or a time resource such as a slot or the like) allocated on UL through TDD may be allocated. Kim [0075] disclosed a control channel described herein is used for a signal including a resource position of a sidelink/D2D data channel transmitted by each transmitting UE in the same or succeeding time unit (e.g., subframe, TTI, slot, symbol) and control information (e.g., at least any one of MCS, MIMO transmission scheme, information element such as timing advance or the like) required to demodulate a corresponding data channel. Kim [0098] disclosed that the synchronization reference of UE1 may be the GNSS… UE1 operating based on GNSS. The Examiner finds that the RX UE (i.e., first UE) is configured to identify the TX UE’s slot formatting and subframe time resources in order to determine its own receiving window (i.e., a frame timing of the first UE) from the SLSS signal, which is based at least in part on the global satellite navigation system (GNSS) time (i.e., a time value at the first UE) that the UE operates based on);
and transmit a synchronization signal associated with synchronization to the frame timing of the first UE (Kim [0125] disclosed that as described above, step S1530 may be modified/omitted. Specifically, the receiving UE 1770 may indicate a timing advance (TA) value to the transmitting UE 1760… the transmitting UE may obtain a timing gap between an arrival time of an actual signal and a symbol boundary based on the first wireless signal 1740 and feedback information on the obtained timing gap to the transmitting UE 1760. When transmitting the second wireless signal [17]50, the transmitting UE 1760 may adjust a transmission time based on the feedback information. Through this, even if the receiving UE 1770 does not shift the start time of the receiver window, it may be possible to transmit a transmission signal within the receiver window. The Examiner finds that the RX UE transmits the Timing Advance feedback information (i.e., a synchronization signal) which is based on the propagation delay related to the receiving window of the RX UE (i.e., associated with synchronization to the frame timing of the first UE)).
Claim 25
Claim 25 recites limitations similar to claim 1. The reasoning for the rejection above with respect to claim 1 also applies to claim 25.
Claim 26
Claim 26 recites limitations similar to claim 2. The reasoning for the rejection above with respect to claim 2 also applies to claim 26.
Claim 27
Claim 27 recites limitations similar to claim 4. The reasoning for the rejection above with respect to claim 4 also applies to claim 27.
Claim 28
Claim 28 recites limitations similar to claim 5. The reasoning for the rejection above with respect to claim 5 also applies to claim 28.
Claim 29
Claim 29 recites limitations similar to claim 20. The reasoning for the rejection above with respect to claim 20 also applies to claim 29.
Claim 30
Claim 30 recites limitations similar to claim 28. The reasoning for the rejection above with respect to claim 28 also applies to claim 30.
CLAIM REJECTIONS — 35 U.S.C. 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:
35 U.S.C. 103 Conditions for patentability; non-obvious subject matter.
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.
The factual inquiries 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.
CLAIM 6
Claim 6 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim in view of NR Explained. With respect to claim 6, Kim taught:
The first UE of claim 1 (see rejection of claim 1 above) where, as discussed in [0125], the receiving UE 1770 may indicate a timing advance (TA) value to the transmitting UE 1760. For example, the receiving UE 1770 may adjust a transmission timing (TX timing) by transmitting the propagation delay obtained/calculated/estimated based on the first wireless signal 1740 to the transmitting UE 1760. Specifically, the transmitting UE may obtain a timing gap between an arrival time of an actual signal and a symbol boundary based on the first wireless signal 1740 and feedback information on the obtained timing gap to the transmitting UE 1760. When transmitting the second wireless signal 2150, the transmitting UE 1760 may adjust a transmission time based on the feedback information.
While Kim described using Timing Advance (TA) to account for propagation delay, Kim did not explicitly describe that the duration of the timing advance (reading on the duration of the offset as discussed in the rejection of claim 1 above) “is based at least in part on a switching time corresponding to switching between transmission and reception.” However, it is conventional for TA to include an offset based on the switching time, which is typically labeled NTA offset in the technical literature, including 3GPP TS 38.533 V17.3.0 (cited as other pertinent art and listed in form 892) and NR Explained “Timing advance and transmission timing adjustments” (cited in this rejection below).
With respect to claim 6, NR Explain taught:
the Timing Advance is based at least in part on a switching time corresponding to switching between transmission and reception (NR Explained, p. 1, taught that uplink frame number i for transmission from the UE shall start TTA = (NTA + NTA,offset) · Tc before the start of the corresponding downlink frame at the UE… TA shall account for the round trip propagation delay, hence 2 · tprop. In addition, it also includes a timing off[s]et toffset = NTA,offset) · Tc. The purpose is for an TDD base station to activate its transmitter after an uplink frame. The Examiner finds that the offset to active the transmitted after an uplink receive, which is received, reads on a switching time associated with switching between transmission and reception).
The Examiner finds that the prior art included each element claimed, although not necessarily in a single prior art reference, with the only difference between the claimed invention and the prior art being the lack of actual combination of the elements in a single prior art reference (i.e., Kim describes use of Timing Advance for synchronization while NR explained taught that Timing Advance is based on NTA,offset, the switching time). The Examiner further finds that one of ordinary skill in the art could have combined the elements as claimed by known methods, and that in combination, each element merely performs the same function as it does separately (i.e., use of NTA,offset in calculating Timing Advance is conventional according to 3GPP standards as evidenced by 38.533). The Examiner further finds that one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that the results of the combination were predictable (i.e., implementing NTA,offset, the switching time, in calculating Timing Advance predictably results in 3GPP standard’s compliant Timing Advance). Accordingly, claim 6 is obvious as merely combining prior art elements according to known methods to yield predictable results. See MPEP 2143(I)(A).
RESPONSE TO ARGUMENTS
The Examiner responds below to Applicant’s arguments in the Remarks filed 9/5/2025.
Arguments regarding the rejections under §112
Applicant’s arguments with respect to the rejections under §112 have been fully considered and are persuasive in view of the amendments. Those rejections have been withdrawn.
Arguments regarding the §102 rejections
Applicant’s arguments regarding claim 1 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. On page 11 applicant presents arguments against the claims as amended. These amendments are addressed in the rejection above.
On pages 13-14 Applicant argued with respect to claim 9 that “the Office Action has not shown that a "distance" and described in KIM, is equivalent to "a location," as recited in claim 9.” The Examiner notes that the specification does not provide a specific definition of the term “location.” Per MPEP 2111 the term will be given its broadest reasonable interpretation which in this case is the plain and ordinary meaning: a location is a place or position. The “distance” in Kim between a transmitting and receiving device defines a location covering the distance between the UEs.
CONCLUSION
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new grounds 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 extension fee 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 date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Christopher Davis whose telephone number is 703-756-1832. The examiner can normally be reached Mon-Fri from 11AM to 7PM ET. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Ayaz Sheikh, can be reached at telephone number 571-272-3795. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/C.R.D./
Examiner, Art Unit 2476
/AYAZ R SHEIKH/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2476
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