DETAILED ACTION
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant’s submission filed on 2/4/2026 has been entered.
CLAIM OBJECTIONS
37 CFR 1.71(a) requires the claims to be to be in full, clear, concise, and exact terms.
Claims 4, 5, and 18 are objected to because of the following informalities: the phrase “the target information” lacks antecedent basis because the antecedent was deleted by amendment from claims 1 and 16. Appropriate correction is required.
PRIOR ART
The following references are prior art:
1. (PTO-892 09/25/2024) Appl. No. 17/589,161 (Cirik) is prior art under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) since it was published as US 2022/0159733 A1, names another inventor (Ali Cagatay Cirik), and was effectively filed (given the benefit of 62/882,069 filed Aug. 2, 2019 and 62/880,880 filed Jul. 31, 2019) before the effective filing date of the claimed invention (02/12/2020).
2. (PTO-892 09/25/2024) 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Technical Specification (TS) 36.300 version 15.8.0 Release 15 (36.300) titled “LTE; Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) and Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN); Overall description; Stage 2” is prior art under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as it was published in Jan. 2020 before the effective filing date of the claimed invention (02/12/2020).
3. (PTO-892 09/25/2024) 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Technical Specification (TS) 38.213 version 15.8.0 Release 15 (38.213) titled “5G; NR; Physical layer procedures for control” is prior art under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as it was published in Jan. 2020 before the effective filing date of the claimed invention (02/12/2020).
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.
Claims 1-13 and 16-20
Claims 1-13 and 16-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Cirik in view of 3GPP TS 36.300.
Claim 1
Claim 1 lacks nonobvious subject matter in view of Cirik and 3GPP TS 36.300 because it merely combines prior art elements according to known methods to yield predictable results. See MPEP 2143(I)(A).
Scope and contents of the prior art
With respect to claim 1, Cirik taught:
A random access procedure for handover (Cirik [0170] taught [0170] A network (e.g., a gNB and/or an ng-eNB of a network) and/or the UE may initiate a random access procedure. A UE in an RRC_IDLE state and/or an RRC_INACTIVE state may initiate the random access procedure to request a connection setup to a network. The UE may initiate the random access procedure from an RRC_CONNECTED state. The UE may initiate the random access procedure to request uplink resources ( e.g., for uplink transmission of an SR when there is no PUCCH resource available) and/or acquire uplink timing ( e.g., when uplink synchronization status is non-synchronized). The UE may initiate the random access procedure to request one or more system information blocks (SIBs) (e.g., other system information such as SIB2, SIB3, and/or the like). The UE may initiate the random access procedure for a beam failure recovery request. A network may initiate a random access procedure for a handover and/or for establishing time alignment for an SCell addition. Cirik [0183] The contention-free random access procedure illustrated in FIG. 13B may be initiated for a beam failure recovery, other SI request, SCell addition, and/or handover. For example, a base station may indicate or assign to the UE the preamble to be used for the Msg 1 1321. The UE may receive, from the base station via PDCCH and/or RRC, an indication of a preamble (e.g., ra-Preambleindex). Cirik [0254] In an example, the one or more configuration parameters may indicate a plurality of transmission TCI states for a coreset of the one or more coresets ( e.g., by a higher layer parameter tci-StatesPDCCH-ToAddList and tci-StatesPDCCH-ToReleaseList). In an example, the one or more configuration parameters may indicate, for the coreset, the plurality of transmission TCI states for a reconfiguration with sync procedure (e.g., handover). In an example, the wireless device may not receive a MAC CE ( e.g., TCI State Indication for VE-specific PDCCH MAC CE) activating a TCI state of the plurality of TCI states for the coreset. Based on the one or more configuration parameters indicating the plurality of transmission TCI states and not receiving the MAC CE, the wireless device may monitor, for a DCI, a PDCCH in/via the coreset based on an antenna port quasi co-location property (e.g., DM-RS antenna port quasi colocation property). In an example, the wireless device may receive the PDCCH with the DCI in/via the coreset based on the antenna port quasi co-location property. The receiving the PDCCH in/via the coreset based on the antenna port quasi co-location property may comprise that (the wireless device determines that) at least one DM-RS port of the PDCCH is quasi co-located (QCL-ed) with a reference signal (e.g., SS/PBCH block, CSI-RS). The at least one DM-RS port of the PDCCH may be quasi co-located (QCLed) with the reference signal with respect to a quasi colocation type (e.g., QCL-TypeA, QCL-TypeD, etc.). In an example, the wireless device may use/identify the reference signal during/for a random-access procedure. The random-access procedure may be (initiated) for an initial access procedure. The random-access procedure may be (initiated) by the reconfiguration with sync procedure. Cirik [0323] taught that the wireless device may receive a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order (e.g., PDCCH order in FIG. 20) initiating a random-access procedure. The wireless device may receive the PDCCH order via the first coreset (e.g., Coreset 1 in FIG. 20) of the first cell… The PDCCH order may indicate the second cell. In an example, the PDCCH order may indicate a second cell index of the second cell. The wireless device may initiate the random-access procedure for the second cell. Cirik [0049] taught that the term wireless device encompasses user terminal (UT). The Examiner finds that the wireless device of Cirik is a terminal device that executes a random-access procedure that can be for cell handover),
comprising: determining that a condition for performing a random access procedure, for a handover and/or for establishing time alignment for an SCell addition, with a target cell or a target transmission and reception point (TRP) is satisfied (Cirik [0170] taught A network (e.g., a gNB and/or an ng-eNB of a network) and/or the UE may initiate a random access procedure. A UE in an RRC_IDLE state and/or an RRC_INACTIVE state may initiate the random access procedure to request a connection setup to a network. The UE may initiate the random access procedure from an RRC_CONNECTED state. The UE may initiate the random access procedure to request uplink resources ( e.g., for uplink transmission of an SR when there is no PUCCH resource available) and/or acquire uplink timing ( e.g., when uplink synchronization status is non-synchronized). The UE may initiate the random access procedure to request one or more system information blocks (SIBs) (e.g., other system information such as SIB2, SIB3, and/or the like). The UE may initiate the random access procedure for a beam failure recovery request. A network may initiate a random access procedure for a handover and/or for establishing time alignment for an SCell addition. Cirik [0183] The contention-free random access procedure illustrated in FIG. 13B may be initiated for a beam failure recovery, other SI request, SCell addition, and/or handover. For example, a base station may indicate or assign to the UE the preamble to be used for the Msg 1 1321. The UE may receive, from the base station via PDCCH and/or RRC, an indication of a preamble (e.g., ra-Preambleindex). Cirik [0317] taught that the second cell may be a secondary cell (SCell). The first cell may be a primary cell (PCell or SpCell). Cirik FIG. 20 shows the PDCCH order being sent from the first cell. Cirik [0254] In an example, the one or more configuration parameters may indicate a plurality of transmission TCI states for a coreset of the one or more coresets ( e.g., by a higher layer parameter tci-StatesPDCCH-ToAddList and tci-StatesPDCCH-ToReleaseList). In an example, the one or more configuration parameters may indicate, for the coreset, the plurality of transmission TCI states for a reconfiguration with sync procedure (e.g., handover). In an example, the wireless device may not receive a MAC CE ( e.g., TCI State Indication for VE-specific PDCCH MAC CE) activating a TCI state of the plurality of TCI states for the coreset. Based on the one or more configuration parameters indicating the plurality of transmission TCI states and not receiving the MAC CE, the wireless device may monitor, for a DCI, a PDCCH in/via the coreset based on an antenna port quasi co-location property (e.g., DM-RS antenna port quasi colocation property). In an example, the wireless device may receive the PDCCH with the DCI in/via the coreset based on the antenna port quasi co-location property. The receiving the PDCCH in/via the coreset based on the antenna port quasi co-location property may comprise that (the wireless device determines that) at least one DM-RS port of the PDCCH is quasi co-located (QCL-ed) with a reference signal (e.g., SS/PBCH block, CSI-RS). The at least one DM-RS port of the PDCCH may be quasi co-located (QCLed) with the reference signal with respect to a quasi colocation type (e.g., QCL-TypeA, QCL-TypeD, etc.). In an example, the wireless device may use/identify the reference signal during/for a random-access procedure. The random-access procedure may be (initiated) for an initial access procedure. The random-access procedure may be (initiated) by the reconfiguration with sync procedure. Cirik [0323] taught that, the wireless device may receive a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order (e.g., PDCCH order in FIG. 20) initiating a random-access procedure… The PDCCH order may indicate the second cell… The wireless device may initiate the random-access procedure for the second cell. The PDCCH order may initiate/trigger the random-access procedure for the second cell. Cirik [0344] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate TRP indices for the plurality of TRPs. The Examiner finds that the wireless device of Cirik receives the PDCCH order which is a condition for performing the random access operation with the second cell (reading on the target cell) or TRP 2 (see FIG. 22) (reading on the target transmission and reception point (TRP). The PDCCH order to initiate random access is initiated by the network/cell which, according to [0170], means that that the random access procedure for a handover and/or for establishing time alignment for an SCell addition. In FIG. 20 the second sell is an SCell).
wherein the condition for performing a random access procedure for a handover and/or for establishing time alignment for an SCell addition is satisfied when a first control resource set (CORESET) is associated with the target cell or the target TRP (Cirik [0254] In an example, the one or more configuration parameters may indicate a plurality of transmission TCI states for a coreset of the one or more coresets ( e.g., by a higher layer parameter tci-StatesPDCCH-ToAddList and tci-StatesPDCCH-ToReleaseList). In an example, the one or more configuration parameters may indicate, for the coreset, the plurality of transmission TCI states for a reconfiguration with sync procedure (e.g., handover). Cirik [0315] taught that FIG. 20 is an example of a random-access procedure as per an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 is an example flow diagram of a random-access procedure disclosed in FIG. 20. Cirik FIG. 21 illustrated a step in the flow diagram labeled “Receive, via a 1st coreset of a 1st cell of the plurality of cells, a PDCCH order initiating a random-access procedure for a 2nd cell of the plurality of cells.” Cirik [0316] taught that the wireless device may receive the one or more messages from a base station. The one or more messages may comprise one or more configuration parameters. Cirik [0318] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate one or more first coresets for the first cell. The one or more first coresets may comprise a first coreset (e.g., Coreset 1 in FIG. 20). In an example, the one or more configuration parameters may indicate one or more second coresets for the second cell. The one or more second coresets may comprise a second coreset (e.g., Coreset 2 in FIG. 20)),
wherein that the first CORESET is associated with the target cell or the target TRP comprises: first information is associated with the target cell or the target TRP; and the first information is related to the first CORESET (Cirik [0316] taught that a wireless device may receive one or more messages. In an example, the wireless device may receive the one or more messages from a base station. The one or more messages may comprise one or more configuration parameters…. The one or more configuration parameters may be for a plurality of cells comprising a first cell (e.g., first cell in FIG. 20) and a second cell (e.g., second cell in FIG. 20). Cirik [0318] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate one or more first coresets for the first cell. The one or more first coresets may comprise a first coreset (e.g., Coreset 1 in FIG. 20). In an example, the one or more configuration parameters may indicate one or more second coresets for the second cell. The one or more second coresets may comprise a second coreset (e.g., Coreset 2 in FIG. 20). Cirik [0323] taught that the wireless device may receive a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order (e.g., PDCCH order in FIG. 20) initiating a random-access procedure. The wireless device may receive the PDCCH order via the first coreset (e.g., Coreset 1 in FIG. 20) of the first cell. The random-access procedure may be a contention-free random-access procedure (e.g., non-contention based random-access procedure). The PDCCH order may indicate the second cell. In an example, the PDCCH order may indicate a second cell index of the second cell. Cirik [0343] taught that the cell may comprise a plurality of transmission and reception points (TRPs). The plurality of TRPs may comprise a first TRP (e.g., TRP 1 in FIG. 22) and a second TRP (e.g., TRP 2 in FIG. 22). The first TRP may transmit a downlink signal/channel (e.g., PDSCH, PDCCH, DCI) via the first coreset group… The second TRP may transmit a downlink signal/channel (e.g., PDSCH, PDCCH, DCI) via the second coreset group. Cirik [0327] taught that based on the transmitting the random-access preamble, the wireless device may monitor (or start monitoring) for a second DCI (e.g., DCI format 1_0, DCI in FIG. 20). In an example, the second DCI may schedule a PDSCH comprising a random-access response (e.g., random-access response in FIG. 20). The random-access response may be for the random-access preamble. The Examiner finds that Coreset 2 in FIG. 20 and FIG. 22 is a CORESET associated with the target cell (second cell in FIG. 20) or the target TRP (TRP 2 in FIG. 22) comprises: target information of the first CORESET indicates the target cell or the target TRP (i.e., the Coreset 2 in Cirik is for the second cell/TRP 2 in FIG. 20/22 respective); the first CORESET indicates the target cell or the target TRP (i.e., the Coreset 2 in Cirik is for the second cell/TRP 2 in FIG. 20/22 respective); scrambling information used by the first CORESET indicates the target cell or the target TRP (i.e., the scrambling information in Cirik indicates the second cell since it is used when receiving the random-access response from the second cell));
wherein that the first information is associated with the target cell or the target TRP comprises: a transmission configuration indication (TCI) of the first CORESET comprises a network node identifier or network node related information of the target cell or the target TRP to indicate the target cell or the target TRP (Cirik [0228] FIG. 17 shows an example of a TCI state information element (IE) for a downlink beam management as per an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0230] taught in an example, a TCI state of the one or more TCI state may comprise one or more parameters ( e.g., qcl-Typel, qcl-Type2, reference Signal, etc.). Cirik [0231] taught In an example, at least one quasi co-location type of the at least one downlink reference signal ( e.g., the first DL RS, the second DL RS) may be provided to the wireless device by a higher layer parameter qcl-Type in QCL-Info in FIG. 17. Cirik [FIG. 17] illustrates QCL-Info: cell, ServCellIndex. The Examiner notes that TCI-State includes qcl-Type1 and qcl-Type2, each of which have QCL-Info parameter, where the QCL-info includes the cell that has the ServeCellIndex parameter. Cirik [0254] In an example, the one or more configuration parameters may indicate a plurality of transmission TCI states for a coreset of the one or more coresets ( e.g., by a higher layer parameter tci-StatesPDCCH-ToAddList and tci-StatesPDCCH-ToReleaseList). In an example, the one or more configuration parameters may indicate, for the coreset, the plurality of transmission TCI states for a reconfiguration with sync procedure (e.g., handover). In an example, the wireless device may not receive a MAC CE ( e.g., TCI State Indication for UE-specific PDCCH MAC CE) activating a TCI state of the plurality ofTCI states for the coreset. Based on the one or more configuration parameters indicating the plurality of transmission TCI states and not receiving the MAC CE, the wireless device may monitor, for a DCI, a PDCCH in/via the coreset based on an antenna port quasi co-location property (e.g., DM-RS antenna port quasi colocation property). In an example, the wireless device may receive the PDCCH with the DCI in/via the coreset based on the antenna port quasi co-location property. The receiving the PDCCH in/via the coreset based on the antenna port quasi co-location property may comprise that (the wireless device determines that) at least one DM-RS port of the PDCCH is quasi co-located (QCL-ed) with a reference signal (e.g., SS/PBCH block, CSI-RS). The at least one DM-RS port of the PDCCH may be quasi co-located (QCLed) with the reference signal with respect to a quasi colocation type (e.g., QCL-TypeA, QCL-TypeD, etc.). In an example, the wireless device may use/identify the reference signal during/for a random-access procedure. The random-access procedure may be (initiated) for an initial access procedure. The random-access procedure may be (initiated) by the reconfiguration with sync procedure. Cirik [0304] taught an enhanced procedure for receiving a DCI scheduling a random-access response when the wireless device receives a PDCCH order via a first coreset of a secondary cell and monitors, for the DCI, in a second coreset of a primary cell. In an example embodiment, the one or more configuration parameters or an activation command may indicate/activate the second coreset with a second TCI state. [0286] In an example, the one or more configuration parameters may indicate cell indices (e.g., provided by a higher layer parameter ServCellID) for the plurality of cells. In an example, each cell of the plurality of cells may be identified by a respective cell index of the cell indices. In an example, the first cell may be identified by a first cell index of the cell indices. In an example, the second cell may be identified by a second cell index of the cell indicesCirik [0344] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate TRP indices for the plurality of TRPs. In an example, each TRP of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a respective TRP index of the TRP indices. In an example, a first TRP (e.g., TRP 1 in FIG. 22) of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a first TRP index of the TRP indices. In an example, a second TRP (e.g., TRP 2 in FIG. 22) of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a second TRP index of the TRP indices). The Examiner finds that that the target information of the first CORESET (i.e., the configuration parameters in Cirik) points to the target cell (i.e., the configuration parameters received from the first cell point to the second cell and the configuration parameters from TRP1 point to TRP2) comprises a transmission configuration indication (TCI) of the first CORESET. The Examiner finds that the configuration parameters in Cirik, which indicate/activate a second coreset with a second TCI state, read on the claimed a transmission configuration indication (TCI) of the first CORESET comprises a network node identifier or network node related information of the target cell or the target TRP (i.e., the ServCellIndex of the QCLInfo of the TCI-state) to indicate the target cell or the target TRP (ServCellIndex identifies the target cell);),
and responsive to the condition being satisfied, performing a random access procedure for a handover and/or for establishing time alignment for an SCell addition to the target cell or the target TRP (Cirik [0170] taught that a network may initiate a random access procedure for a handover and/or for establishing time alignment for an SCell addition. Cirik [0254] In an example, the one or more configuration parameters may indicate a plurality of transmission TCI states for a coreset of the one or more coresets ( e.g., by a higher layer parameter tci-StatesPDCCH-ToAddList and tci-StatesPDCCH-ToReleaseList). In an example, the one or more configuration parameters may indicate, for the coreset, the plurality of transmission TCI states for a reconfiguration with sync procedure (e.g., handover). In an example, the wireless device may not receive a MAC CE ( e.g., TCI State Indication for VE-specific PDCCH MAC CE) activating a TCI state of the plurality ofTCI states for the coreset. Based on the one or more configuration parameters indicating the plurality of transmission TCI states and not receiving the MAC CE, the wireless device may monitor, for a DCI, a PDCCH in/via the coreset based on an antenna port quasi co-location property (e.g., DM-RS antenna port quasi colocation property). In an example, the wireless device may receive the PDCCH with the DCI in/via the coreset based on the antenna port quasi co-location property. The receiving the PDCCH in/via the coreset based on the antenna port quasi co-location property may comprise that (the wireless device determines that) at least one DM-RS port of the PDCCH is quasi co-located (QCL-ed) with a reference signal (e.g., SS/PBCH block, CSI-RS). The at least one DM-RS port of the PDCCH may be quasi co-located (QCLed) with the reference signal with respect to a quasi colocation type (e.g., QCL-TypeA, QCL-TypeD, etc.). In an example, the wireless device may use/identify the reference signal during/for a random-access procedure. The random-access procedure may be (initiated) for an initial access procedure. The random-access procedure may be (initiated) by the reconfiguration with sync procedure. Cirik [0317] taught that the second cell may be a secondary cell (SCell). The first cell may be a primary cell (PCell or SpCell). Cirik FIG. 20 shows the PDCCH order being sent from the first cell. Cirik [0323] taught that, the wireless device may receive a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order (e.g., PDCCH order in FIG. 20) initiating a random-access procedure… The PDCCH order may indicate the second cell… The wireless device may initiate the random-access procedure for the second cell. The PDCCH order may initiate/trigger the random-access procedure for the second cell. Cirik [0344] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate TRP indices for the plurality of TRPs. The Examiner finds that the wireless device of Cirik receives the PDCCH order which is a condition for performing the random access operation with the second cell (reading on the target cell) or TRP 2 (see FIG. 22) (reading on the target transmission and reception point (TRP). When the PDCCH order is received from the cell/network, such that the condition [is] satisfied, it triggers the wireless device to perform the random access procedure, which since it is initiated from the network then it is for a handover and/or for establishing time alignment for an SCell addition).
Cirik taught the limitations of claim 1 discussed above. Cirik taught that network initiated random access procedures (as compared to UE initiated random access procedures) are for a handover and/or for establishing time alignment for an SCell addition (see [0170]), Cirik explicitly described the PDCCH order from the cell/network initiating random access procedure with an SCell (e.g., FIG. 20), and it specifically described using the random access procedure for handover in [0183] and [0254]. Specifically, [0183] states [0183] The contention-free random access procedure illustrated in FIG. 13B may be initiated for… handover. And [0254] states that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate a plurality of transmission TCI states for a coreset of the one or more coresets… the one or more configuration parameters may indicate, for the coreset, the plurality of transmission TCI states for a reconfiguration with sync procedure (e.g., handover)… The random-access procedure may be (initiated) by the reconfiguration with sync procedure. Going on, [0255] explains that the random-access procedure can be, for example, reconfiguration with sync procedure, which is handover.
In addition, the 3GPP technical specifications implemented by Cirik provide further motivation for implementing Cirik’s technique to achieve the claimed invention.
With respect to claim 1, 3GPP TS 36.300, section 10.1.5 titled “Random Access Procedure” confirms that random access being for handover as described in [0170] of Cirik would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art since they would be familiar with 3GPP standards. 36.300 p. 137-138 taught that the random access procedure is performed for the following events related to the PCell: … Handover … The random access procedure is also performed on a SCell to establish time alignment.
The Examiner finds that it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art that Cirik’s network initiated random access procedure for an SCell shown in FIG. 20 could be modified to be used for a handover since Cirik explicitly teaches that network initiated random access procedures can be for a handover in [0170] of Cirik. The fact that random access procedure initiation can be used to handover is confirmed by 3GPP TS 36.300, which describes standards of wireless communication. The Examiner finds that implementing Cirik’s random access procedure initiation technique for handover required no more than ordinary skill in the art. As discussed in MPEP 2141.03, "A person of ordinary skill in the art is also a person of ordinary creativity, not an automaton." KSR Int'l Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 550 U.S. 398, 421, 82 USPQ2d 1385, 1397 (2007). "[I]n many cases a person of ordinary skill will be able to fit the teachings of multiple patents together like pieces of a puzzle." Id. at 420, 82 USPQ2d 1397. Office personnel may also take into account "the inferences and creative steps that a person of ordinary skill in the art would employ." Id. at 418, 82 USPQ2d at 1396. Furthermore, doing so has predictable results since use of random access procedures in handover is within wireless communication standards.
Claim 2
With respect to claim 2, Cirik and 3GPP TS 36.300 taught: The cell handover method according to claim 1 (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 2, Cirik taught:
wherein the first CORESET comprises at least one of the following: a CORESET#0; a CORESET with the smallest index; a CORESET with the largest index; a CORESET configured by a network device; or a CORESET reported by the terminal device (Cirik [0256] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate a plurality of transmission TCI states for a coreset (e.g., Coreset 1, Coreset 2 in FIG. 18) of the one or more coresets (e.g., by a higher layer parameter tci-StatesPDCCH-ToAddList and tci-StatesPDCCH-ToReleaseList). In an example, the coreset may be identified by a coreset index that is equal to zero. In an example, the coreset may be identified by a coreset index that is different from zero (e.g., non-zero). Cirik [0345] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate coreset indices (e.g., provided by a higher layer parameter ControlResourceSetid) for the plurality of coresets. In an example, each coreset of the plurality of coresets may be identified by a respective coreset index of the coreset indices. In an example, the first coreset may be identified by a first coreset index of the coreset indices. The Examiner finds that the configuration information includes a CORESET configured by the network device that can be identified by index 0 (i.e., CORESET#0), which has the smallest index.).
Claim 3
With respect to claim 3, Cirik and 3GPP TS 36.300 taught: The cell handover method according to claim 1 (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 3, Cirik taught:
wherein that the first information is associated with the target cell or the target TRP comprises at least one of the following: target information of the first CORESET indicates the target cell or the target TRP; the first CORESET indicates the target cell or the target TRP; scrambling information used by the first CORESET indicates the target cell or the target TRP; or related configuration information of a TRP associated with the first CORESET indicates the target cell or the target TRP (Cirik [0316] taught that a wireless device may receive one or more messages. In an example, the wireless device may receive the one or more messages from a base station. The one or more messages may comprise one or more configuration parameters…. The one or more configuration parameters may be for a plurality of cells comprising a first cell (e.g., first cell in FIG. 20) and a second cell (e.g., second cell in FIG. 20). Cirik [0318] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate one or more first coresets for the first cell. The one or more first coresets may comprise a first coreset (e.g., Coreset 1 in FIG. 20). In an example, the one or more configuration parameters may indicate one or more second coresets for the second cell. The one or more second coresets may comprise a second coreset (e.g., Coreset 2 in FIG. 20). Cirik [0323] taught that the wireless device may receive a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order (e.g., PDCCH order in FIG. 20) initiating a random-access procedure. The wireless device may receive the PDCCH order via the first coreset (e.g., Coreset 1 in FIG. 20) of the first cell. The random-access procedure may be a contention-free random-access procedure (e.g., non-contention based random-access procedure). The PDCCH order may indicate the second cell. In an example, the PDCCH order may indicate a second cell index of the second cell. Cirik [0343] taught that the cell may comprise a plurality of transmission and reception points (TRPs). The plurality of TRPs may comprise a first TRP (e.g., TRP 1 in FIG. 22) and a second TRP (e.g., TRP 2 in FIG. 22). The first TRP may transmit a downlink signal/channel (e.g., PDSCH, PDCCH, DCI) via the first coreset group… The second TRP may transmit a downlink signal/channel (e.g., PDSCH, PDCCH, DCI) via the second coreset group. Cirik [0327] taught that based on the transmitting the random-access preamble, the wireless device may monitor (or start monitoring) for a second DCI (e.g., DCI format 1_0, DCI in FIG. 20). In an example, the second DCI may schedule a PDSCH comprising a random-access response (e.g., random-access response in FIG. 20). The random-access response may be for the random-access preamble. The Examiner finds that Coreset 2 in FIG. 20 and FIG. 22 is a CORESET associated with the target cell (second cell in FIG. 20) or the target TRP (TRP 2 in FIG. 22) comprises: target information of the first CORESET indicates the target cell or the target TRP (i.e., the Coreset 2 in Cirik is for the second cell/TRP 2 in FIG. 20/22 respective); the first CORESET indicates the target cell or the target TRP (i.e., the Coreset 2 in Cirik is for the second cell/TRP 2 in FIG. 20/22 respective); scrambling information used by the first CORESET indicates the target cell or the target TRP (i.e., the scrambling information in Cirik indicates the second cell since it is used when receiving the random-access response from the second cell); or related configuration information of a TRP associated with the first CORESET indicates the target cell or the target TRP (i.e., the PDCCH indicates TRP2 as the target for receiving the random-access response as shown in FIG. 22)).
Claim 4
With respect to claim 4, Cirik and 3GPP TS 36.300 taught: The cell handover method according to claim 3 (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 4, Cirik taught:
wherein the target information comprises at least one of the following of the first CORESET: quasi co-location (QCL) information in the TCI; a reference signal (RS) comprised in the TCI; QCL information of the RS comprised in the TCI; or an RS associated with QCL information of the RS comprised in the TCI (Cirik [0304] taught an enhanced procedure for receiving a DCI scheduling a random-access response when the wireless device receives a PDCCH order via a first coreset of a secondary cell and monitors, for the DCI, in a second coreset of a primary cell. In an example embodiment, the one or more configuration parameters or an activation command may indicate/activate the second coreset with a second TCI state. Cirik [0336] taught that the at least one DM-RS port of the PDSCH may be quasi co-located (QCL-ed) with the first reference signal with respect to at least one of: Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, delay spread, and spatial RX parameters. Cirik [0358] taught receiving/detecting a PDCCH comprising a DCI, via a coreset of the plurality of coresets, based on an antenna port quasi co-location property of the one or more antenna port quasi co-location properties may comprise that at least one DM-RS port of the PDCCH comprising the DCI is quasi co-located (QCL-ed) with a reference signal indicated by (or in) the antenna port quasi co-location property. The antenna port quasi co-location property may comprise/indicate the reference signal (e.g., RS l for Coreset 1,RS 2 for Coreset 2,RS 3for Coreset 2,RS 4 for Coreset 4 in FIG. 22). The antenna port quasi co-location property may comprise/indicate a reference signal index (e.g., ssb-index, csi-rs index, etc.) of/indicating the reference signal. The Examiner finds that the target information (information of the second cell) comprises at least one of the following of the first CORESET: a TCI (i.e., the second TCI state in Cirik); quasi co-location (QCL) information in a TCI; an RS comprised in a TCI; QCL information of an RS comprised in a TCI; and an RS associated with QCL information of an RS comprised in a TCI (i.e., the antenna port quasi co-location property in Cirik may comprise/indicate the reference signal (e.g., RS l for Coreset 1, RS 2 for Coreset 2, RS 3 for Coreset 2, RS 4 for Coreset 4 in FIG. 22)).
Claim 5
With respect to claim 5, Cirik and 3GPP TS 36.300 taught: The cell handover method according to claim 4 (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 5, Cirik taught:
wherein that the target information indicates the target cell or the target TRP comprises at least one of the following: configuration information of the target information comprises a network node identifier or network node related information of the target cell; configuration information of the target information comprises a network node identifier or network node related information of the target TRP; or configuration information of the target information comprises target signaling or a target information element, and the target signaling or the target information element indicates the target cell or the target TRP (Cirik [0316] In an example, a wireless device may receive one or more messages. In an example, the wireless device may receive the one or more messages from a base station. The one or more messages may comprise one or more configuration parameters. The one or more configuration parameters may comprise physical random-access channel (PRACH) transmission parameters (e.g., PRACH preamble format, time resources, and frequency resources for PRACH transmission). The one or more configuration parameters may be for a plurality of cells comprising a first cell ( e.g., first cell in FIG. 20) and a second cell (e.g., second cell in FIG. 20). In an example, the PRACH transmission parameters may be ( configured/indicated) for a PRACH transmission (e.g., preamble transmission) via/of the second cell. In an example, the PRACH transmission parameters may be (configured/indicated) for receiving a random-access response via the second cell. In an example, the PRACH transmission parameters may be (configured/indicated) for a random-access procedure for the second cell. Cirik [0322] taught that the wireless device may monitor, for a first DCI, a first PDCCH in/via the first coreset of the first cell based on a first antenna port quasi co-location property (e.g., Antenna port QCL property 1 in FIG. 20). The monitoring, for the first DCI, the first PDCCH in/via the first coreset based on the first antenna port quasi co-location property may comprise that (the wireless device determines that) at least one first DM-RS port of the first PDCCH comprising the first DCI is quasi co-located (QCL-ed) with a first reference signal (e.g., RS 1 in FIG. 20) indicated by (or in) the first antenna port quasi co-location property. The Cirik [0344] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate TRP indices for the plurality of TRPs. In an example, each TRP of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a respective TRP index of the TRP indices. In an example, a first TRP (e.g., TRP 1 in FIG. 22) of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a first TRP index of the TRP indices. In an example, a second TRP (e.g., TRP 2 in FIG. 22) of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a second TRP index of the TRP indices. The Examiner finds that the configuration includes target information of the second cell/TRP2 which indicates the target cell or the target TRP and comprises at least one of the following: configuration information of the target information (i.e., the configuration parameters in Cirik) comprises a network node identifier or network node related information of the target cell (i.e., 2nd cell); configuration information of the target information comprises a network node identifier or network node related information of the target TRP (i.e., TRP 2); or configuration information of the target information comprises target signaling (i.e., RS 2 in FIG. 20) or a target information element, and the target signaling (RS 2 in FIG. 20) or the target information element indicates the target cell or the target TRP (RS 2 is associated with the second cell)).
Claim 6
With respect to claim 6, Cirik and 3GPP TS 36.300 taught: The cell handover method according to claim 3 (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 6, Cirik taught:
wherein that the first CORESET indicates the target cell or the target TRP comprises: configuration information of the first CORESET indicates a target network node identifier or target network node related information associated with a target network node, wherein the target network node comprises the target cell or the target TRP (Cirik [0318] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate one or more first coresets for the first cell. The one or more first coresets may comprise a first coreset (e.g., Coreset 1 in FIG. 20). In an example, the one or more configuration parameters may indicate one or more second coresets for the second cell. The one or more second coresets may comprise a second coreset (e.g., Coreset 2 in FIG. 20). Cirik [0344] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate TRP indices for the plurality of TRPs. In an example, each TRP of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a respective TRP index of the TRP indices. In an example, a first TRP (e.g., TRP 1 in FIG. 22) of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a first TRP index of the TRP indices. In an example, a second TRP (e.g., TRP 2 in FIG. 22) of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a second TRP index of the TRP indices. Cirik [0345] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate coreset indices (e.g., provided by a higher layer parameter ControlResourceSetid) for the plurality of coresets. In an example, each coreset of the plurality of coresets may be identified by a respective coreset index of the coreset indices. Cirik FIG. 20 illustrates that Coreset 2 is for the second cell. Cirik FIG. 22 illustrates that Coreset group 2 (Coreset 2 and Coreset 4) are for TRP2. The Examiner finds that the first CORESET (i.e., coreset 2 in FIG. 20 or Coreset 2/4 in FIG. 22) indicates the target cell or the target TRP (i.e., second cell or TRP2) comprises: configuration information (i.e., the configuration parameters) of the first CORESET indicates a target network node identifier or target network node related information (i.e., 2nd cell or TRP 2), wherein the target network node comprises the target cell or the target TRP (i.e., the target node is the second cell or TRP 2)).
Claim 7
With respect to claim 7, Cirik and 3GPP TS 36.300 taught: The cell handover method according to claim 3 (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 7, Cirik taught:
wherein the scrambling information is used to scramble a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) (Cirik [0296] taught that the wireless device may receive the second PDCCH comprising/including the second DCI. Cirik [0297] taught that the second DCI (e.g., the CRC scrambled by an RA-RNTI). The Examiner finds that the scrambling information for scrambling the CRC of the second DCI is used to scramble a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) since the PDCCH in Cirik comprises the second DCI).
Claim 8
With respect to claim 8, Cirik and 3GPP TS 36.300 taught: The cell handover method according to claim 3 (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 8, Cirik taught:
wherein that the related configuration information of the TRP associated with the first CORESET indicates the target cell or the target TRP comprises: related configuration information of a TRP to which the first CORESET belongs indicates a target network node identifier or target network node related information associated with a target network node, wherein the target network node comprises the target cell or the target TRP (Cirik [0316] taught that a wireless device may receive one or more messages. In an example, the wireless device may receive the one or more messages from a base station. The one or more messages may comprise one or more configuration parameters…. The one or more configuration parameters may be for a plurality of cells comprising a first cell (e.g., first cell in FIG. 20) and a second cell (e.g., second cell in FIG. 20). Cirik [0318] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate one or more first coresets for the first cell. The one or more first coresets may comprise a first coreset (e.g., Coreset 1 in FIG. 20). In an example, the one or more configuration parameters may indicate one or more second coresets for the second cell. The one or more second coresets may comprise a second coreset (e.g., Coreset 2 in FIG. 20). Cirik [0323] taught that the wireless device may receive a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order (e.g., PDCCH order in FIG. 20) initiating a random-access procedure. The wireless device may receive the PDCCH order via the first coreset (e.g., Coreset 1 in FIG. 20) of the first cell. The random-access procedure may be a contention-free random-access procedure (e.g., non-contention based random-access procedure). The PDCCH order may indicate the second cell. In an example, the PDCCH order may indicate a second cell index of the second cell. Cirik [0343] taught that the cell may comprise a plurality of transmission and reception points (TRPs). The plurality of TRPs may comprise a first TRP (e.g., TRP 1 in FIG. 22) and a second TRP (e.g., TRP 2 in FIG. 22). The first TRP may transmit a downlink signal/channel (e.g., PDSCH, PDCCH, DCI) via the first coreset group… The second TRP may transmit a downlink signal/channel (e.g., PDSCH, PDCCH, DCI) via the second coreset group. Cirik [0327] taught that based on the transmitting the random-access preamble, the wireless device may monitor (or start monitoring) for a second DCI (e.g., DCI format 1_0, DCI in FIG. 20). In an example, the second DCI may schedule a PDSCH comprising a random-access response (e.g., random-access response in FIG. 20). The random-access response may be for the random-access preamble. The Examiner finds that the related configuration information of the TRP associated with the first CORESET (i.e., the configuration parameters in Cirik) points to the target cell or the target TRP (i.e., it points to the second cell or TRP 2) and comprises: related configuration information of a TRP to which the first CORESET belongs indicates a target network node identifier or target network node related information (i.e., configuration information of 2nd cell or TRP 2), wherein the target network node comprises the target cell or the target TRP (i.e., the 2nd cell or TRP 2 is the target node)).
Claim 9
With respect to claim 9, Cirik and 3GPP TS 36.300 taught: The cell handover method according to claim 1 (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 9, Cirik taught:
wherein for performing a random access procedure, for a handover and/or for establishing time alignment for an SCell addition, with a target cell or a target transmission and reception point (TRP) is satisfied (Cirik [0170] taught that a network may initiate a random access procedure for a handover and/or for establishing time alignment for an SCell addition. Cirik [0317] taught that the second cell may be a secondary cell (SCell). The first cell may be a primary cell (PCell or SpCell). Cirik FIG. 20 shows the PDCCH order being sent from the first cell. Cirik [0323] taught that, the wireless device may receive a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) order (e.g., PDCCH order in FIG. 20) initiating a random-access procedure… The PDCCH order may indicate the second cell… The wireless device may initiate the random-access procedure for the second cell. The PDCCH order may initiate/trigger the random-access procedure for the second cell. Cirik [0344] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate TRP indices for the plurality of TRPs. The Examiner finds that the wireless device of Cirik receives the PDCCH order which is a condition for performing the random access operation with the second cell (reading on the target cell) or TRP 2 (see FIG. 22) (reading on the target transmission and reception point (TRP). The PDCCH order to initiate random access is initiated by the network/cell which, according to [0170], means that that the random access procedure for a handover and/or for establishing time alignment for an SCell addition. In FIG. 20 the second sell is an SCell)
when related information of a first TRP points to the target cell or the target TRP (Cirik [0344] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate TRP indices for the plurality of TRPs. In an example, each TRP of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a respective TRP index of the TRP indices. In an example, a first TRP (e.g., TRP 1 in FIG. 22) of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a first TRP index of the TRP indices. In an example, a second TRP (e.g., TRP 2 in FIG. 22) of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a second TRP index of the TRP indices. The Examiner finds that the configuration information of the PDCCH received from TRP 1 which includes the TRP index of the second TRP/TRP 2 in FIG. 22 of Cirik reads on related information of a first TRP points to the target cell or the target TRP),
wherein that the related information of the first TRP points to the target cell or the target TRP comprises: second information comprises a target network node identifier or target network node related information; and the second information is related to the first TRP (Cirik [0344] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate TRP indices for the plurality of TRPs. In an example, each TRP of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a respective TRP index of the TRP indices. In an example, a first TRP (e.g., TRP 1 in FIG. 22) of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a first TRP index of the TRP indices. In an example, a second TRP (e.g., TRP 2 in FIG. 22) of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a second TRP index of the TRP indices). The Examiner finds that that the related information of the first TRP (i.e., the configuration parameters) points to the target cell (i.e., the configuration parameters received from the first cell point to the second cell and the configuration parameters from TRP1 point to TRP2) comprises at least one of the following: related configuration information of the first TRP comprises a target network node identifier or target network node related information (i.e., the TRP indices in Cirik); or related information of a cell to which the first TRP belongs comprises a target network node identifier or target network node related information (i.e., the TRP indices in Cirik), wherein the target network node comprises the target cell or the target TRP (i.e., the target TRP is TRP 2 identified by the second TRP index),
wherein the first TRP comprises at least one of the following: a TRP with an index 0; a TRP with the smallest index; a TRP with the largest index; a TRP comprising CORESET#0; a TRP comprising a CORESET with the smallest index; a TRP comprising a CORESET with the largest index; a TRP indicated by the network device; or a TRP reported by the terminal device (Cirik [0256] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate a plurality of transmission TCI states for a coreset (e.g., Coreset 1, Coreset 2 in FIG. 18) of the one or more coresets (e.g., by a higher layer parameter tci-StatesPDCCH-ToAddList and tci-StatesPDCCH-ToReleaseList). In an example, the coreset may be identified by a coreset index that is equal to zero. In an example, the coreset may be identified by a coreset index that is different from zero (e.g., non-zero). Cirik [0345] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate coreset indices (e.g., provided by a higher layer parameter ControlResourceSetid) for the plurality of coresets. In an example, each coreset of the plurality of coresets may be identified by a respective coreset index of the coreset indices. In an example, the first coreset may be identified by a first coreset index of the coreset indices. The Examiner finds that the configuration information includes a CORESET configured by the network device that can be identified by index 0 (i.e., CORESET#0), which has the smallest index).
Claim 10
With respect to claim 10, Cirik and 3GPP TS 36.300 taught: The cell handover method according to claim 1 (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 10, Cirik taught:
wherein that the related information of the first TRP points to the target cell comprises at least one of the following: related configuration information of the first TRP comprises the target network node identifier or the target network node related information; or related information of a cell to which the first TRP belongs comprises the target network node identifier or the target network node related information, wherein the target network node comprises the target cell or the target TRP (Cirik [0344] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate TRP indices for the plurality of TRPs. In an example, each TRP of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a respective TRP index of the TRP indices. In an example, a first TRP (e.g., TRP 1 in FIG. 22) of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a first TRP index of the TRP indices. In an example, a second TRP (e.g., TRP 2 in FIG. 22) of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a second TRP index of the TRP indices). The Examiner finds that that the related information of the first TRP (i.e., the configuration parameters) points to the target cell (i.e., the configuration parameters received from the first cell point to the second cell and the configuration parameters from TRP1 point to TRP2) comprises at least one of the following: related configuration information of the first TRP comprises a target network node identifier or target network node related information (i.e., the TRP indices in Cirik); or related information of a cell to which the first TRP belongs comprises a target network node identifier or target network node related information (i.e., the TRP indices in Cirik), wherein the target network node comprises the target cell or the target TRP (i.e., the target TRP is TRP 2 identified by the second TRP index).
Claim 11
With respect to claim 11, Cirik and 3GPP TS 36.300 taught: The cell handover method according to claim 10 (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 11, Cirik taught:
wherein the related configuration information of the first TRP comprises at least one of the following or configuration information associated with at least one of the following: PDCCH configuration information; or a resource pool index of a control resource set (Cirik [0343] taught that the cell may comprise a plurality of transmission and reception points (TRPs). The plurality of TRPs may comprise a first TRP (e.g., TRP 1 in FIG. 22) and a second TRP (e.g., TRP 2 in FIG. 22). The first TRP may transmit a downlink signal/channel (e.g., PDSCH, PDCCH, DCI) via the first coreset group. Transmitting the downlink signal/channel (e.g., PDCCH, DCI) via the first coreset group may comprise that the first TRP may transmit the downlink signal/channel via a coreset among the first coreset group. Cirik [0344] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate TRP indices for the plurality of TRPs. In an example, each TRP of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a respective TRP index of the TRP indices. In an example, a first TRP (e.g., TRP 1 in FIG. 22) of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a first TRP index of the TRP indices. In an example, a second TRP (e.g., TRP 2 in FIG. 22) of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a second TRP index of the TRP indices). The Examiner finds that the related configuration information of the first TRP (i.e., the configuration parameters in Cirik) comprises at least one of the following or configuration information associated with at least one of the following: PDCCH configuration information; or a resource pool index of a control resource set (i.e., the PDCCH downlink signal is transmitted via a coreset among the coreset group (i.e., resource pool)).
Claim 12
With respect to claim 12, Cirik and 3GPP TS 36.300 taught: The cell handover method according to claim 10 (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 12, Cirik taught:
wherein the related information of the cell comprises at least one of the following or configuration information associated with at least one of the following: cell group configuration information; special cell configuration information; synchronous reconfiguration information; serving cell configuration information; or serving cell common configuration information (Cirik [0343] taught that the cell may comprise a plurality of transmission and reception points (TRPs). The plurality of TRPs may comprise a first TRP (e.g., TRP 1 in FIG. 22) and a second TRP (e.g., TRP 2 in FIG. 22). The first TRP may transmit a downlink signal/channel (e.g., PDSCH, PDCCH, DCI) via the first coreset group. Transmitting the downlink signal/channel (e.g., PDCCH, DCI) via the first coreset group may comprise that the first TRP may transmit the downlink signal/channel via a coreset among the first coreset group. Cirik [0344] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate TRP indices for the plurality of TRPs. In an example, each TRP of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a respective TRP index of the TRP indices. In an example, a first TRP (e.g., TRP 1 in FIG. 22) of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a first TRP index of the TRP indices. In an example, a second TRP (e.g., TRP 2 in FIG. 22) of the plurality of TRPs may be identified by a second TRP index of the TRP indices). Cirik [0346] taught that the one or more configuration parameters may indicate coreset group indices for the plurality of coresets. In an example, each coreset of the plurality of coresets may be identified by a respective coreset group index of the coreset group indices. In an example, the first coreset of the first coreset group may be identified by a first coreset group index of the coreset group indices. The Examiner finds that the configuration parameters of Cirik are configuration information associated with at least one of the following: cell group configuration information (i.e., coreset configuration and coreset group configuration for a cell); special cell configuration information (i.e., coreset configuration and coreset group configuration for a cell); synchronous reconfiguration information; serving cell configuration information (i.e., coreset configuration and coreset group configuration for the first cell); or serving cell common configuration information).
Claim 13
With respect to claim 13, Cirik and 3GPP TS 36.300 taught: The cell handover method according to claim 1, wherein the cell handover condition is satisfied (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 13, Cirik taught:
The condition is satisfied when a first reference signal (RS) points to the target cell or TRP (Cirik [0358] taught receiving/detecting a PDCCH comprising a DCI, via a coreset of the plurality of coresets, based on an antenna port quasi co-location property of the one or more antenna port quasi co-location properties may comprise that at least one DM-RS port of the PDCCH comprising the DCI is quasi co-located (QCL-ed) with a reference signal indicated by (or in) the antenna port quasi co-location property. The antenna port quasi co-location property may comprise/indicate the reference signal (e.g., RS for Coreset 1,RS 2 for Coreset 2,RS 3for Coreset 2,RS 4 for Coreset 4 in FIG. 22). The antenna port quasi co-location property may comprise/indicate a reference signal index (e.g., ssb-index, csi-rs index, etc.) of/indicating the reference signal. The Examiner finds that the quasi co-location property of Cirik, which comprises/indicates a reference signal such as YR 2 for coreset 2 of the second TRP2, reads on a first reference signal (RS) points to the target cell or the target TRP);
wherein the first RS satisfies at least one of the following. an index of a resource set of the first RS is 0; an index of a resource set of the first RS is the smallest; an index of a resource set of the first RS is the largest; an index is 0; an index is the smallest; an index is the largest; the first RS is a path loss reference signal; the first RS is indicated by the network device; or the first RS is reported by the terminal device (CIRIK FIG. 22 illustrates the TRP 1 sending the PDCCH order to the UE where antenna port QCL property 1 is associated with RS 1 within Coreset 1. Cirik [0353] taught receiving/detecting a PDCCH comprising a DCI, via a coreset of the plurality of coresets, based on an antenna port quasi co-location property of the one or more antenna port quasi co-location properties may comprise that at least one DM-RS port of the PDCCH comprising the DCI is quasi co-located (QCL-ed) with a reference signal indicated by (or in) the antenna port quasi co-location property. The antenna port quasi co-location property may comprise/indicate the reference signal (e.g., RS l for Coreset 1,RS 2 for Coreset 2,RS 3for Coreset 2, RS 4 for Coreset 4 in FIG. 22). The antenna port quasi co-location property may comprise/indicate a reference signal index (e.g., ssb-index, csi-rs index, etc.) of/indicating the reference signal. The Examiner finds that the first RS (i.e., RS 1 in Cirik) satisfies at least one of the following. an index of a resource set of the first RS is 0; an index of a resource set of the first RS is the smallest; an index of a resource set of the first RS is the largest; an index is 0; an index is the smallest; an index is the largest; the first RS is a path loss reference signal; the first RS is indicated by the network device (i.e., the DM-RS port of PDCCH indicating the RS1 is received in the PDCCH from the TRP1); or the first RS is reported by the terminal device).
Claim 16
As such, claim 16 recites limitations similar to claim 1 except that it further recites “a memory storing a computer program; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the computer program to perform operations comprising:” operations similar to those already discussed above with respect to claim 1.
With respect to claim 16, Cirik taught:
A network device, comprising: a memory storing a computer program; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the computer program to perform operations (Cirik [0315] taught that FIG. 20 is an example of a random-access procedure as per an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 is an example flow diagram of a random-access procedure disclosed in FIG. 20. Cirik [0316] In an example, a wireless device may receive one or more messages. In an example, the wireless device may receive the one or more messages from a base station. Cirik [0206] taught that in the downlink, data to be sent to the wireless device 1502 from the base station 1504 may be provided to the processing system 1508 of the base station 1504. The data may be provided to the processing system 1508 by, for example, a core network. In the uplink, data to be sent to the base station 1504 from the wireless device 1502 may be provided to the processing system 1518 of the wireless device 1502. Cirik [0210] taught that the processing system 1508 and the processing system 1518 may be associated with a memory 1514 and a memory 1524, respectively. Memory 1514 and memory 1524 (e.g., one or more non-transitory computer readable mediums) may store computer program instructions or code that may be executed by the processing system 1508 and/or the processing system 1518 to carry out one or more of the functionalities discussed in the present application.).
Claim 16 is rejected for these reasons along with the reasons given for claim 1.
Claim 17
Claim 17 recites similar limitations to claim 3 and is rejected by the same reasoning.
Claim 18
Claim 18 recites similar limitations to claim 5 and is rejected by the same reasoning.
Claim 19
Claim 19 recites similar limitations to claim 8 and is rejected by the same reasoning.
Claim 20
Claim 20 recites limitations similar to claim 1 except that it further recites “a memory storing a computer program; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the computer program to perform operations” similar to those discussed above with respect to claim 1.
With respect to claim 20, Cirik taught:
a memory storing a computer program; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the computer program to perform operations (Cirik FIG. 15 illustrates a wireless device 1502 having a processing system 1518 and a memory 1524. Cirik [0210] taught that the processing system 1508 and the processing system 1518 may be associated with a memory 1514 and a memory 1524, respectively. Memory 1514 and memory 1524 (e.g., one or more non-transitory computer readable mediums) may store computer program instructions or code that may be executed by the processing system 1508 and/or the processing system 1518 to carry out one or more of the functionalities discussed in the present application.).
Claim 20 is rejected for these reasons along with the reasons given for claim 1.
Claims 14 and 15
Claims 14 and 15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Cirik in view of 3GPP TS 36.300 and 3GPP TS 38.213.
Claim 14
With respect to claim 14, Cirik and 3GPP TS 36.300 taught: The cell handover method according to claim 13 (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 14, Cirik taught about reference signals and reference signal indexes (Cirik [0270] taught that the at least one random-access resource may be associated with a reference signal index (e.g., SS/PBCH block index), of a reference signal, indicated by a reference signal index field in/of the PDCCH order. In an example, the wireless device may select, to transmit the random-access preamble, the at least one random-access resource indicated by the PRACH mask index field. In an example, a value of a random-access preamble index field in the PDCCH order may not be zero (e.g., non-zero). In an example, a value of a random-access preamble index field in the PDCCH order may be zero. The random-access preamble index may indicate/identify the random-access preamble. The wireless device may transmit the random-access preamble indicated by the random-access preamble index based on the reference signal identified by the reference signal index that is indicated by the reference signal index field in/of the PDCCH order. Cirik [053] taught that the antenna port quasi co-location property may comprise/indicate a reference signal index ( e.g., ssbindex, csi-rs index, etc.) of/indicating the reference signal.)
While Cirik taught about reference signals and reference signal indexes (e.g., SSB index and CSI-RS index) as discussed above, Cirik did not explicitly teach that a path loss reference signal satisfies at least one of the following: a reference signal resource index of the path loss reference signal is 0; a reference signal resource index of the path loss reference signal is the smallest; a reference signal resource index of the path loss reference signal is the largest; a related index is 0; a related index is the smallest; or a related index is the largest.
With respect to claim 14, 3GPP TS 38.213 taught:
wherein the path loss reference signal satisfies at least one of the following: a reference signal resource index of the path loss reference signal is 0; the reference signal resource index of the path loss reference signal is the smallest; the reference signal resource index of the path loss reference signal is the largest; a related index is 0; the related index is the smallest; or the related index is the largest (3GPP TS 38.213 section 7.1.1 taught about pathlossreferenceRSs in the UE behavior for PUSCH transmissions. 3GPP TS 38.213 section 7.2.1 taught about pathlossreferenceRSs in UE behavior for PUCCH transmissions. For instance, 38.213 p.21 taught that if the UE is provided a number of RS resource indexes, the UE calculates PLb,f,c (q d) using RS resource with index q d, where 0 ≤ qd <Qd .Qd is a size for a set of RS resources provided by maxNrofPUCCHPathlossReferenceRSs. The set of RS resources is provided by pathlossReferenceRSs. The set of RS resources can include one or both of a set of SS/PBCH block indexes, each provided by ssb-Index in PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS when a value of a corresponding pucch-PathlossReferenceRS-Id maps to a SS/PBCH block index, and a set of CSI-RS resource indexes, each provided by csi-RS-Index when a value of a corresponding pucch-PathlossReferenceRS-Id maps to a CSI-RS resource index. The UE identifies a RS resource in the set of RS resources to correspond either to a SS/PBCH block index or to a CSI-RS resource index as provided by pucch-PathlossReferenceRS-Id in PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS. The Examiner finds that 3GPP TS 38.213 taught that the reference signal resource index of the path loss reference signal is 0 (i.e., 0 is within 0 ≤ qd) ; a reference signal resource index of the path loss reference signal is the smallest (i.e., it is 0 within 0 ≤ qd); a reference signal resource index of the path loss reference signal is the largest (i.e., Qd .Qd within 0 ≤ qd <Qd .Qd)).
As discussed above, both Cirik and 3GPP TS 38.213 taught about reference signals and reference signal indexes (e.g., SSB index and CSI-RS index) and 38.213 went into details about the pathlossreferenceRS. The Examiner finds that implementing the pathlossreferenceRS techniques of 38.213 in Cirik achieve claim 14.
The Examiner finds that the only difference between the claimed invention and the prior art of Cirik implementing 3GPP TS 36.300 and 38.213 is that the claimed invention combines known techniques that were designed to work together in a single document while the prior art describes the techniques separately. Cirik’s techniques are compatible with 3GPP standard communications. See Cirik [0054]. Furthermore, Cirik’s techniques are for performing a contention free random-access procedure (usable for handover) and both 3GPP TS 36.300 and 38.213 also describe contention free random access procedures. The Examiner finds that one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art would be familiar with 3GPP technologies and would be motivated to implement the techniques of Farag according to the applicable standards in order to maintain interoperability with other standards-compliant devices. As such, 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.
The Examiner finds that the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art, the level of ordinary skill in the art, and the rationale in the conclusion of obviousness discussed above with respect to claim 1 also apply to claim 14. Accordingly, the invention of claim 14 lacks nonobvious subject matter under §103 since 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.
Claim 15
With respect to claim 15, Cirik and 3GPP TS 36.300 taught: The cell handover method according to claim 13 (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 15, Cirik taught about reference signals and reference signal indexes (Cirik [0270] taught that the at least one random-access resource may be associated with a reference signal index (e.g., SS/PBCH block index), of a reference signal, indicated by a reference signal index field in/of the PDCCH order. In an example, the wireless device may select, to transmit the random-access preamble, the at least one random-access resource indicated by the PRACH mask index field. In an example, a value of a random-access preamble index field in the PDCCH order may not be zero (e.g., non-zero). In an example, a value of a random-access preamble index field in the PDCCH order may be zero. The random-access preamble index may indicate/identify the random-access preamble. The wireless device may transmit the random-access preamble indicated by the random-access preamble index based on the reference signal identified by the reference signal index that is indicated by the reference signal index field in/of the PDCCH order. Cirik [053] taught that the antenna port quasi co-location property may comprise/indicate a reference signal index (e.g., ssbindex, csi-rs index, etc.) of/indicating the reference signal.)
While Cirik taught about reference signals and reference signal indexes (e.g., SSB index and CSI-RS index) as discussed above, Cirik did not explicitly teach that the path loss reference signal is used for at least one of the following: a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH); a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH); a sounding reference signal (SRS); or a physical random access channel (PRACH).
With respect to claim 15, 3GPP TS 38.213 taught:
the path loss reference signal is used for at least one of the following: a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH); a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH); a sounding reference signal (SRS); or a physical random access channel (PRACH) (38.213 p. 16 taught about pusch-PathlossReferenceRS-Id. 38.213 p. 16 taught about PUCCH-PathlossReferenceRS. 38.213 p. 27 taught about pathloss for the Physical random access channel).
As discussed above, both Cirik and 3GPP TS 38.213 taught about reference signals and reference signal indexes (e.g., SSB index and CSI-RS index) and 38.213 went into details about the pathlossreferenceRS. The Examiner finds that implementing the pathlossreferenceRS techniques of 38.213 in Cirik achieve claim 15.
The Examiner finds that the only difference between the claimed invention and the prior art of Cirik implementing 3GPP TS 36.300 and 38.213 is that the claimed invention combines known techniques that were designed to work together in a single document while the prior art describes the techniques separately. Cirik’s techniques are compatible with 3GPP standard communications. See Cirik [0054]. Furthermore, Cirik’s techniques are for performing a contention free random-access procedure (usable for handover) and both 3GPP TS 36.300 and 38.213 also describe contention free random access procedures. The Examiner finds that one of ordinary skill in the pertinent art would be familiar with 3GPP technologies and would be motivated to implement the techniques of Farag according to the applicable standards in order to maintain interoperability with other standards-compliant devices. As such, 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.
The Examiner finds that the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art, the level of ordinary skill in the art, and the rationale in the conclusion of obviousness discussed above with respect to claim 1 also apply to claim 15. Accordingly, the invention of claim 15 lacks nonobvious subject matter under §103 since 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.
RESPONSE TO ARGUMENTS
The Examiner responds below to Applicant’s arguments in the Remarks filed 2/4/2026.
Rejections under §103
Applicant’s arguments have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
The crux of Applicant’s argument (see p. 10) is that “Cirik is silent regarding that a TCI state of a coreset includes a network node identifier or network node related information of a target cell or a target TRP to indicate the target cell or the target TRP.” The Examiner disagrees. Cirik FIG. 17 shows “TCI-State” including “qcl-Type1” and “qcl-Type1”, each having the “QCL-Info” parameter, which as shown in FIG. 17, includes “cell” having the “ServCellIndex” parameter. This reads on the claimed “network node identifier or network node related information of a target cell or a target TRP to indicate the target cell or the target TRP” as explained in the rejection. For instance, Cirik [0286] taught:
In an example, the one or more configuration parameters may indicate cell indices (e.g., provided by a higher layer parameter ServCellID) for the plurality of cells. In an example, each cell of the plurality of cells may be identified by a respective cell index of the cell indices. In an example, the first cell may be identified by a first cell index of the cell indices. In an example, the second cell may be identified by a second cell index of the cell indices.
CONCLUSION
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
/PETER P CHAU/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2476