DETAILED ACTION
The amendments and remarks filed 9/26/2025 were received.
PRIOR ART
The following references are prior art:
1. (4/2/2025 PTO-892) Appl. No. 17/733,931 (“Li”) is prior art under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) since it published as US 2022/0256462 A1, names another inventor (Dondru LI), and was effectively filed Dec. 24, 2019 before Apr. 10, 2020 the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
2. (4/2/2025 PTO-892) Appl. No. 17/794,450 (“Zhou”) is prior art under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) since it published as US 2023/0073156 A1, names another inventor (Huayu ZHOU), and was effectively filed Jan. 21, 2020 before Apr. 10, 2020 the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
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 1-6, 8-13, AND 15-20
Claims 1-6, 8-13, and 15-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over by Li (US 2022/0256462 A1) in view of Zhou (US 2023/0073156 A1).
Claim 1
With respect to claim 1, Li taught:
A discontinuous reception (DRX) control method, comprising: receiving, by a terminal device, indication information sent by a network device in a first serving cell of the terminal device, wherein the indication information configures the terminal device to start, prolong, or end DRX active time of a second serving cell of the terminal device, the first serving cell is configured with a first DRX and belongs to a first DRX group, the second serving cell is configured with a second DRX and belongs to a second DRX group, an active time of the first serving cell is different from an active time of the second serving cell, the terminal device is configured with component carriers in both a first frequency range and a second frequency range, the first frequency range is a higher frequency band than the second frequency range, the active time is shortened for the higher frequency band, the first serving cell is a primary serving cell of the terminal device, and the second serving cell is a secondary serving cell of the terminal device (Li taught [0003] With the development of communications technologies, a discontinuous reception (DRX) mechanism (or referred to as CDRX) is proposed in a new radio (NR) system. CDRX parameters are specified as follows: All cells belonging to a same carrier aggregation can be configured with only one set of CDRX parameters; or all cells belonging to a same carrier aggregation can be configured with a plurality of sets of CDRX parameters, where cells configured with a same set of CDRX parameters can form a CDRX group ( or referred to as a DRX group). [0024] FIG. 4 is a second diagram of a PDCCH transmission example in a method for processing an Scell dormancy indication according to an embodiment of the present application. [0037] a terminal 11 and a network device 12. [0040] A DRX basic mechanism is used to configure a DRX cycle for a terminal UE in a radio resource control connected RRC_CONNECTED) state. A DRX cycle includes "on duration" and "opportunity for DRX". During "on duration", the UE monitors and receives a PDCCH in an activation period, but does not receive data of a downlink channel in a dormancy period "Opportunity for DRX", to reduce data consumption. [0050] To decrease a high-power-consumption problem caused when UE frequently monitors PDCCHs, in some scenarios, for example, in a carrier aggregation (CA) scenario, dormancy-like behavior and a PDCCH-based Scell dormancy indication field are introduced for an Scell. [0066] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for processing an Scell dormancy indication according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 2, the method is performed by a terminal and includes the following steps. [0067] Step 201: Receive a first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). [0068] Step 202: Determine dormancy behavior of a secondary cell group (Scell group) based on the first PDCCH. [0069] The first PDCCH carries Scell dormancy indications in a one-to-one correspondence with at least two discontinuous reception groups (DRX groups). Each Scell dormancy indication is used to indicate dormancy behavior of an Scell group in one of DRX groups. The dormancy behavior includes entering a dormancy state or entering a non-dormancy state. The Scell dormancy indications carried in the first PDCCH are used to determine whether at least some Scell groups in a plurality of DRX groups enter dormancy or non-dormancy. [0073] the first Scell group is an Scell group in a DRX group corresponding to the second PDCCH. The second PDCCH is a PDCCH of a special cell SPcell… The SPcell may be a primary cell Pcell or a primary secondary cell PScell. [0081] As shown in FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the second PDCCH is a PDCCH of an SPcell. As shown in FIG. 4, in another embodiment, the second PDCCH is a PDCCH of a target cell in a DRX group corresponding to the second PDCCH. In a case that the DRX group corresponding to the second PDCCH includes an SPcell, the target cell is an SPcell. In a case that the DRX group corresponding to the second PDCCH does not include an SPcell, the target cell is an Scell in the DRX group. It should be understood that each DRX group may include one or more Scell groups; and each Scell group may include one or more Scells. [0082] The following description uses two second PDCCHs as examples. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, The two second PDCCHs are PDCCHl and PDCCH2. PDCCH1 corresponds to DRX group 1. DRX group 1 corresponds to frequency range 1. PDCCH2 corresponds to DRX group 2. DRX group 2 corresponds to frequency range 2. DRX group 1 includes two Scell groups (namely, Scell group 1 and Scell group 2). Each Scell group includes one Scell. DRX group 2 includes one Scell groups (namely, Scell group 1). The Examiner finds that Li taught a discontinuous reception (DRX) control method, comprising: receiving, by a terminal device (i.e., terminal 11), indication information (i.e., PDCCH2) sent by a network device (i.e., network device 12) in a first serving cell of the terminal device (i.e., SPcell), wherein the indication information (i.e., PDCCH2) configures the terminal device to start, prolong, or end DRX active time (i.e., enter a dormancy state or enter a non-dormancy state) of a second serving cell (i.e., Scell) of the terminal device, the first serving cell is configured with a first DRX and belongs to a first DRX group (i.e., DRX group 1), the second serving cell is configured with a second DRX and belongs to a second DRX group (i.e., DRX group 2), an active time of the first serving cell is different from an active time of the second serving cell configured (i.e., as shown in FIG. 3 and 4, for instance, the uppermost Scell in DRX group 1 remains active when the lowermost Scell in DRX group 2 goes inactive, as shown in the annotated figure below.), the terminal device is configured with component carriers in both a first frequency range and a second frequency range (i.e., Frequency Range 2 (FR2) and Frequency Range 1 (FR1) in carrier aggregation scenarios), the first frequency range is a higher frequency band than the second frequency range (FR2, which covers 24.25 GHz to 71.0 GHz, is higher than FR1, which covers 410 MHz to 7125 MHz), the active time is shortened for the higher frequency band (see the annotated FIG. 3 below where active time for Group 2 on FR2 is shortened compared to the active time for group 1 on FR1), the first serving cell is a primary service cell of the terminal device (i.e., SPcell in Li), and the second serving cell is a secondary serving cell of the terminal device (i.e., Scell in Li));
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sending a secondary cell dormancy indication in the primary serving cell (Li taught [0067] Step 201: Receive a first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). [0068] Step 202: Determine dormancy behavior of a secondary cell group (Scell group) based on the first PDCCH. [0069] The first PDCCH carries Scell dormancy indications in a one-to-one correspondence with at least two discontinuous reception groups (DRX groups). Each Scell dormancy indication is used to indicate dormancy behavior of an Scell group in one of DRX groups. The dormancy behavior includes entering a dormancy state or entering a non-dormancy state. The Scell dormancy indications carried in the first PDCCH are used to determine whether at least some Scell groups in a plurality of DRX groups enter dormancy or non-dormancy. [0073] the first Scell group is an Scell group in a DRX group corresponding to the second PDCCH. The second PDCCH is a PDCCH of a special cell SPcell… The SPcell may be a primary cell Pcell or a primary secondary cell PScell. [0081] As shown in FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the second PDCCH is a PDCCH of an SPcell. The Examiner finds that Li taught sending a secondary cell dormancy indication (i.e., Scell dormancy indication) in the primary serving cell (i.e., in the PDCCH sent in the SPcell which is a primary serving cell)),
and starting, prolonging, or ending, by the terminal device, the DRX active time of the second serving cell based on the indication information (Li taught [0052] a non-dormancy state (also referred to as an active state). [0069] Each Scell dormancy indication is used to indicate dormancy behavior of an Scell group in one of DRX groups. The dormancy behavior includes entering a dormancy state or entering a non-dormancy state. The Scell dormancy indications carried in the first PDCCH are used to determine whether at least some Scell groups in a plurality of DRX groups enter dormancy or non-dormancy. The Examiner finds that Li taught starting, prolonging, or ending, by the terminal device, the DRX active time of the second serving cell based on the indication information (i.e., Scell in DRX group 2 entering a dormancy state or non-dormancy state based on PDCCH2)).
Li taught the limitations of claim 1 above but did not identically disclose “the secondary cell dormancy indication directs the terminal device to switch between a dormant bandwidth part (BWP) and a non-dormant BWP part in the secondary serving cell” as recited in claim 1.
With respect to claim 1, Zhou taught
the secondary cell dormancy indication directs the terminal device to switch between a dormant bandwidth part (BWP) and a non-dormant BWP part in the secondary serving cell (Zhou taught [Abstract] A method for controlling PDCCH monitoring is provided in the disclosure. The method may include: obtaining first signaling; and determining whether a secondary cell is in a dormant state or a non-dormant state according to the first signaling. [0019] a base station (gNB) transmits signaling indicating that a certain SCell enters a dormant (dormancy) state to a user equipment (UE). Upon receiving the signaling indicating that the SCell enters the dormant state, the UE switches to a dormant bandwidth part (BWP) for the SCell, that is, the dormant BWP is used as an active BWP. [0020] the base station transmits signaling indicating that the SCell enters a non-dormant (non-dormancy) state to the UE. Upon receiving the signaling indicating that the SCell enters the non-dormant state, the UE switches back to a non-dormant BWP, that is, the non-dormant BWP is used as an active BWP.).
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 to which the claimed invention pertains to implement Zhou’s dormant/non-dormant BWP switching technique in Li’s method for processing Scell dormancy, because of the motivation in [0019] of Zhou:
When there are fewer data services, a base station (gNB) transmits signaling indicating that a certain SCell enters a dormant (dormancy) state to a user equipment (UE). Upon receiving the signaling indicating that the SCell enters the dormant state, the UE switches to a dormant bandwidth part (BWP) for the SCell, that is, the dormant BWP is used as an active BWP. The UE does not need to monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) on the dormant BWP, thus saving power (or energy).
Zhou provides a motivation that would have led one of ordinary skill to modify Li’s method to combine it with Zhou’s teachings to arrive at the claimed invention.
Claim 2
With respect to claim 2, Li in view of Zhou taught:
The discontinuous reception (DRX) control method according to claim 1 (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 2, Li taught:
wherein receiving, by the terminal device, the indication information sent by the network device in the first serving cell of the terminal device (see rejection of claim 1 above)
further comprises: receiving, by the terminal device, first indication information in the first serving cell in DRX inactive time of the second serving cell, wherein the first indication information configures the terminal device to start a DRX inactivity timer corresponding to the second DRX (Li taught [0043] drx-InactivityTimer: The drx-InactivityTimer represents duration by which the corresponding MAC needs to continuously monitor a PDCCH after receiving a PDCCH newly uploaded based on an indication. The drx-InactivityTimer is started or restarted at a first symbol after receiving of a PDCCH newly uploaded (uplink or downlink) based on an indication is completed. When the corresponding MAC receives a DRX command or Long DRX command MAC CE, the drx-InactivityTimer is stopped. [0069] Each Scell dormancy indication is used to indicate dormancy behavior of an Scell group in one of DRX groups. The dormancy behavior includes entering a dormancy state or entering a non-dormancy state. [0080] Optionally, for case 1, it may be understood that an Scell dormancy indication in a 1st second PDCCH is used to indicate dormancy behavior of an Scell group in a first DRX group; and an Scell dormancy indication in a 2nd second PDCCH is used to indicate dormancy behavior of an Scell group in a second DRX group. A difference between the first DRX group and the second DRX group is that the DRX groups have different values of at least one of DRX configuration parameters. The DRX configuration parameter may include drx-InactivityTimer, drx-onDurationTimer, and the like. [0081] All second PDCCHs may be disposed on an SPCell. Alternatively, the second PDCCHs may be disposed on SCells in corresponding DRX groups. As shown in FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the second PDCCH is a PDCCH of an SPcell. As shown in FIG. 4, in another embodiment, the second PDCCH is a PDCCH of a target cell in a DRX group corresponding to the second PDCCH. In a case that the DRX group corresponding to the second PDCCH includes an SPcell, the target cell is an SPcell. In a case that the DRX group corresponding to the second PDCCH does not include an SPcell, the target cell is an Scell in the DRX group. It should be understood that each DRX group may include one or more Scell groups; and each Scell group may include one or more Scells. [0082] The following description uses two second PDCCHs as examples. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, The two second PDCCHs are PDCCH1 and PDCCH2. PDCCH1 corresponds to DRX group 1. DRX group 1 corresponds to frequency range 1. PDCCH2 corresponds to DRX group 2. DRX group 2 corresponds to frequency range 2. DRX group 1 includes two Scell groups (namely, Scell group 1 and Scell group 2). Each Scell group includes one Seel!. DRX group 2 includes one Scell groups (namely, Scell group 1). The Scell group includes three Scells. In this case, an Scell dormancy indication carried in PDCCH1 may include 2 bits; and an Scell dormancy indication carried in PDCCH2 may include 1 bit. The Examiner finds that Li taught receiving, by the terminal device, the indication information sent by the network device in the first serving cell of the terminal device (see rejection of claim 1 above) further comprises: receiving, by the terminal device, first indication information (i.e., PDCCH2) in the first serving cell (SPcell) in DRX inactive time of the second serving cell (i.e., dormancy/inactive time of SCell in DRX group 2 as illustrated in FIG. 3), wherein the first indication information configures the terminal device to start a DRX inactivity timer corresponding to the second DRX (i.e., enter the non-dormancy state), this configuring reading on configuring, with the terminal device, the DRX inactivity timer corresponding to the second DRX (i.e., configuring dormancy/inactive time) with first configuration information; and configuring, with the terminal device, both the first serving cell in the first DRX group and the second serving cell in the second DRX group with second configuration information (i.e., the two dormancy information read on the claimed first/second configuration information));
and starting, by the terminal device, the DRX active time of the second serving cell based on the indication information further comprises: starting, by the terminal device, the DRX inactivity timer corresponding to the second DRX in the DRX inactive time of the second serving cell based on the first indication information, to end the DRX inactive time of the second serving cell, and start the DRX active time of the second serving cell (Li taught [0043] drx-InactivityTimer: The drx-InactivityTimer represents duration by which the corresponding MAC needs to continuously monitor a PDCCH after receiving a PDCCH newly uploaded based on an indication. [0052] Explanation of a non-dormancy state (also referred to as an active state): In this state, based on a network device configuration, UE monitors a PDCCH frequently. [0080] Scell dormancy indication in a 2nd second PDCCH is used to indicate dormancy behavior of an Scell group in a second DRX group. A difference between the first DRX group and the second DRX group is that the DRX groups have different values of at least one of DRX configuration parameters. The DRX configuration parameter may include drx-InactivityTimer, drx-onDurationTimer, and the like. The Examiner finds that Li taught starting, by the terminal device, the DRX active time of the second serving cell (i.e., Scell in DEX group 2 entering the active/non-dormancy state) based on the indication information (PDCCH2) further comprises: starting, by the terminal device, the DRX inactivity timer (i.e., drx-InactivityTimer used when monitoring PDCCH in active/non-dormancy period) corresponding to the second DRX in the DRX inactive time of the second serving cell based on the first indication information (i.e., DRX group 2 including Scells in Scell group 1 is inactive/dormant when PDCCH 2 is received), to end the DRX inactive time of the second serving cell, and start the DRX active time of the second serving cell (i.e., leave inactive/dormant state and enter active/non-dormant state to continuously monitor PDCCH during drx-InactivityTimer)).
and further comprising configuring, with the terminal device, the DRX inactivity timer corresponding to the second DRX with first configuration information; and configuring, with the terminal device, both the first serving cell in the first DRX group and the second serving cell in the second DRX group with second configuration information (Li taught [0043] drx-InactivityTimer: The drx-InactivityTimer represents duration by which the corresponding MAC needs to continuously monitor a PDCCH after receiving a PDCCH newly uploaded based on an indication. The drx-InactivityTimer is started or restarted at a first symbol after receiving of a PDCCH newly uploaded (uplink or downlink) based on an indication is completed. When the corresponding MAC receives a DRX command or Long DRX command MAC CE, the drx-InactivityTimer is stopped. [0069] Each Scell dormancy indication is used to indicate dormancy behavior of an Scell group in one of DRX groups. The dormancy behavior includes entering a dormancy state or entering a non-dormancy state. [0080] Optionally, for case 1, it may be understood that an Scell dormancy indication in a 1st second PDCCH is used to indicate dormancy behavior of an Scell group in a first DRX group; and an Scell dormancy indication in a 2nd second PDCCH is used to indicate dormancy behavior of an Scell group in a second DRX group. A difference between the first DRX group and the second DRX group is that the DRX groups have different values of at least one of DRX configuration parameters. The DRX configuration parameter may include drx-InactivityTimer, drx-onDurationTimer, and the like. [0081] All second PDCCHs may be disposed on an SPCell. Alternatively, the second PDCCHs may be disposed on SCells in corresponding DRX groups. As shown in FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the second PDCCH is a PDCCH of an SPcell. As shown in FIG. 4, in another embodiment, the second PDCCH is a PDCCH of a target cell in a DRX group corresponding to the second PDCCH. In a case that the DRX group corresponding to the second PDCCH includes an SPcell, the target cell is an SPcell. In a case that the DRX group corresponding to the second PDCCH does not include an SPcell, the target cell is an Scell in the DRX group. It should be understood that each DRX group may include one or more Scell groups; and each Scell group may include one or more Scells. [0082] The following description uses two second PDCCHs as examples. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, The two second PDCCHs are PDCCH1 and PDCCH2. PDCCH1 corresponds to DRX group 1. DRX group 1 corresponds to frequency range 1. PDCCH2 corresponds to DRX group 2. DRX group 2 corresponds to frequency range 2. DRX group 1 includes two Scell groups (namely, Scell group 1 and Scell group 2). Each Scell group includes one Seel!. DRX group 2 includes one Scell groups (namely, Scell group 1). The Scell group includes three Scells. In this case, an Scell dormancy indication carried in PDCCH1 may include 2 bits; and an Scell dormancy indication carried in PDCCH2 may include 1 bit. As discussed above, the Examiner finds that Li taught receiving, by the terminal device, the indication information sent by the network device in the first serving cell of the terminal device (see rejection of claim 1 above) further comprises: receiving, by the terminal device, first indication information (i.e., PDCCH2) in the first serving cell (SPcell) in DRX inactive time of the second serving cell (i.e., dormancy/inactive time of SCell in DRX group 2 as illustrated in FIG. 3), wherein the first indication information configures the terminal device to start a DRX inactivity timer corresponding to the second DRX (i.e., enter the non-dormancy state). The Examiner further finds that this configuring reads on configuring, with the terminal device, the DRX inactivity timer corresponding to the second DRX (i.e., configuring dormancy/inactive time) with first configuration information; and configuring, with the terminal device, both the first serving cell in the first DRX group and the second serving cell in the second DRX group with second configuration information (i.e., the two dormancy information read on the claimed first/second configuration information));
Claim 3
With respect to claim 3, Li in view of Zhou taught:
The discontinuous reception (DRX) control method according to claim 2 (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 3, Li taught:
further comprising: receiving, by the terminal device in any serving cell configured with the second DRX in the DRX active time of the second serving cell, a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) used to indicate new data transmission; and starting or restarting, by the terminal device, the DRX inactivity timer corresponding to the second DRX (Li taught [0043] The drx-InactivityTimer represents duration by which the corresponding MAC needs to continuously monitor a PDCCH after receiving a PDCCH newly uploaded based on an indication. The drx-InactivityTimer is started or restarted at a first symbol after receiving of a PDCCH newly uploaded (uplink or downlink) based on an indication is completed.).
Claim 4
With respect to claim 4, Li in view of Zhou taught:
The discontinuous reception (DRX) control method according to claim 1 (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 4, Li taught:
wherein receiving, by the terminal device, the indication information sent by the network device in the first serving cell of the terminal device (see rejection of claim 1 above)
further comprises: receiving, by the terminal device, second indication information in the first serving cell in the DRX active time of the second serving cell, wherein the second indication information configures the terminal device to start or restart the DRX inactivity timer corresponding to the second DRX; and prolonging, by the terminal device, the DRX active time of the second serving cell based on the indication information further comprises: starting or restarting, by the terminal device, the DRX inactivity timer corresponding to the second DRX in the DRX active time of the second serving cell based on the second indication information, to prolong the DRX active time of the second serving cell (Li taught [0043] drx-InactivityTimer: The drx-InactivityTimer represents duration by which the corresponding MAC needs to continuously monitor a PDCCH after receiving a PDCCH newly uploaded based on an indication. The drx-InactivityTimer is started or restarted at a first symbol after receiving of a PDCCH newly uploaded (uplink or downlink) based on an indication is completed. [0131] Embodiment 1: As shown in FIG. 3, each DRX group is configured with one PS-PDCCH (full name: a PDCCH that is used to detect DCI format 2_6 and scrambled with a PS-RNTI). In other words, at least two PS-PDCCH monitoring occasions (PS-PDCCH MOs) respectively indicating different DRX groups exist before each DRX ON. [0139] An Scell controlled by an undetected PS-PDCCH remains in the latest or newest state, for example, remaining in the dormancy state or the non-dormancy state. The Examiner finds that Li taught receiving, by the terminal device, second indication information in the first serving cell in the DRX active time (non-dormant state) of the second serving cell (i.e., the second indication being a second PS-PDCCH that is undetected during active/non-dormancy state of DRX group 2), wherein the second indication information configures the terminal device to start or restart the DRX inactivity timer corresponding to the second DRX (i.e., “remain” in the active/non-dormancy state to continuously monitoring PDCCH during drx-inactivetimer) and prolonging, by the terminal device, the DRX active time of the second serving cell based on the indication information (i.e., remaining in the non-dormant state) further comprises: starting or restarting, by the terminal device, the DRX inactivity timer corresponding to the second DRX in the DRX active time of the second serving cell based on the second indication information, to prolong the DRX active time of the second serving cell (i.e., the drx-InactivityTimer is restarted because the terminal remains in the active/non-dormant state to continuously monitor PDCCH during the drx-InactivityTimer)).
Claim 5
With respect to claim 5, Li in view of Zhou taught:
The discontinuous reception (DRX) control method according to claim 1 (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 5, Li taught:
wherein receiving, by the terminal device, the indication information sent by the network device in the first serving cell of the terminal device (see rejection of claim 1 above)
further comprises: receiving, by the terminal device, third indication information in the first serving cell in the DRX active time of the second serving cell, wherein the third indication information configures the terminal device to stop the DRX inactivity timer corresponding to the second DRX; and ending, by the terminal device, the DRX active time of the second serving cell based on the indication information further comprises: stopping, by the terminal device, the DRX inactivity timer corresponding to the second DRX in the DRX active time of the second serving cell based on the third indication information, to end the DRX active time of the second serving cell, and start the DRX inactive time of the second serving cell; and further comprising: stopping, by the terminal device, a duration timer corresponding to the second DRX based on the third indication information (Li taught [0042] drx-onDurationTimer: When a DRX function is configured, drx-onDurationTimer represents duration by which corresponding medium access control (MAC) is in a wake-up state in a DRX cycle. [0043] drx-InactivityTimer: The drx-InactivityTimer represents duration by which the corresponding MAC needs to continuously monitor a PDCCH after receiving a PDCCH newly uploaded based on an indication. The drx-InactivityTimer is started or restarted at a first symbol after receiving of a PDCCH newly uploaded (uplink or downlink) based on an indication is completed. [0126] The first PDCCH further includes a wake-up indication, where the wake-up indication is used to indicate an on or off state of a drx-onDurationTimer. [0153] a quantity of bits of a wake-up indication is increased based on a plurality of DRX groups. For example, a 2-bit wake-up indication is configured for two DRX groups. [0189] Optionally, the first PDCCH further includes a wake-up indication, where the wake-up indication is used to indicate an on or off state of a drx-onDurationTimer. [0190] Optionally, in a case that a wake-up indication corresponding to a fourth DRX group indicates that the drx-onDurationTimer is off, an Scell group in the fourth DRX group enters a dormancy state, where the fourth DRX group is any one of the DRX groups. [0196] the first PDCCH carries Scell dormancy indications corresponding to at least two DRX groups, each Scell dormancy indication is used to indicate dormancy behavior of an Scell group in one of the DRX groups, and the dormancy behavior includes entering a dormancy state or entering a non-dormancy state. The Examiner finds that Li taught receiving, by the terminal device, third indication information (i.e., wake-up indication) in the first serving cell in the DRX active time of the second serving cell (i.e., non-dormancy state), wherein the third indication information configures the terminal device to stop the DRX inactivity timer corresponding to the second DRX (i.e., a PDCCH to enter the dormancy state with a wake-up indication to not wake up sets an off state of the drx-onDurationTimer and also stop continuous monitoring during drx-InactivityTimer); and ending, by the terminal device, the DRX active time of the second serving cell based on the indication information further comprises: stopping, by the terminal device, the DRX inactivity timer corresponding to the second DRX in the DRX active time of the second serving cell based on the third indication information, to end the DRX active time of the second serving cell, and start the DRX inactive time of the second serving cell; and further comprising: stopping, by the terminal device, a duration timer corresponding to the second DRX based on the third indication information (i.e., in response to a PDCCH to enter the dormancy state with a wake-up indication to not wake up, stop/set an off state of the drx-onDurationTimer and also stop drx-InactivityTimer since PDCCH won’t be monitored)).
Claim 6
With respect to claim 6, Li in view of Zhou taught:
The discontinuous reception (DRX) control method according to claim 1 (see rejection above).
With respect to claim 6, Li taught:
further comprising: receiving, by the terminal device, indication information sent by the network device in a third serving cell of the terminal device, wherein the indication information sent by the network device in the third serving cell configures the terminal device to start, prolong, or end DRX active time of the first serving cell of the terminal device, and the third serving cell is configured with the second DRX; and starting, prolonging, or ending, by the terminal device, the DRX active time of the first serving cell based on the indication information sent by the network device in the third serving cell (Li taught [0067] Step 201: Receive a first physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). [0068] Step 202: Determine dormancy behavior of a secondary cell group (Scell group) based on the first PDCCH. [0069] The first PDCCH carries Scell dormancy indications in a one-to-one correspondence with at least two discontinuous reception groups (DRX groups). Each Scell dormancy indication is used to indicate dormancy behavior of an Scell group in one of DRX groups. The dormancy behavior includes entering a dormancy state or entering a non-dormancy state. The Scell dormancy indications carried in the first PDCCH are used to determine whether at least some Scell groups in a plurality of DRX groups enter dormancy or non-dormancy. [0081] Alternatively, the second PDCCHs may be disposed on SCells in corresponding DRX groups… As shown in FIG. 4, in another embodiment, the second PDCCH is a PDCCH of a target cell in a DRX group corresponding to the second PDCCH. [0150] Embodiment 2: As shown in FIG. 4, each DRX group is configured with one PS-PDCCH, and PS-PDCCHs are respectively configured on different cells. One Scell is selected as a PS-PDCCH Scell. A PS-PDCCH is configured for the Scell to indicate a DRX group. FIG. 4 illustrates PDCCH 2 received on the first Scell of Scell group 1 of DRX group 2 that indicates dormancy information for the first, second, and third Scells of DRX group 2. The Examiner finds that Li taught receiving, by the terminal device, indication information (i.e., PDCCH2) sent by the network device in a third serving cell of the terminal device (i.e., the first Scell of Scell group 1 of DRX group 2 in FIG. 4), wherein the indication information sent by the network device in the third serving cell configures the terminal device to start, prolong, or end DRX active time of the first serving cell of the terminal device (i.e., PDCCH 2 indicates dormancy information to enter a dormancy state or a non-dormancy state), and the third serving cell is configured with the second DRX (i.e., DRX group 2); and starting, prolonging, or ending, by the terminal device, the DRX active time of the first serving cell based on the indication information sent by the network device in the third serving cell (i.e., entering the dormancy or non-dormancy state according to the dormancy information)).
Claim 8
Claim 8 recites limitations similar to claim 1 except that it additionally recites “at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions; wherein the instructions are executed by the at least processor to configure the apparatus to perform operations” similar to the method of claim 1. Li taught these limitations in [0017] The terminal includes a memory, a processor, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, where when the program is executed by the processor, the steps of the foregoing method for processing an Scell dormancy indication are implemented. Claim 8 is rejected for this reason along with the reasons given for claim 1.
Claim 9
Claim 9 recites limitations similar to claim 2 and is rejected by the same reasoning.
Claim 10
Claim 10 recites limitations similar to claim 3 and is rejected by the same reasoning.
Claim 11
Claim 11 recites limitations similar to claim 4 and is rejected by the same reasoning.
Claim 12
Claim 12 recites limitations similar to claim 5 and is rejected by the same reasoning.
Claim 13
Claim 13 recites limitations similar to claim 6 and is rejected by the same reasoning.
Claim 15
Claim 15 recites limitations similar to claim 8 and is rejected by the same reasoning (see also Li [0018] teaching at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions; wherein the instructions are executed by the at least processor to configure the apparatus to perform operations).
Claim 16
Claim 16 recites limitations similar to claim 2 and is rejected by the same reasoning.
Claim 17
Claim 17 recites limitations similar to claim 3 and is rejected by the same reasoning.
Claim 18
Claim 18 recites limitations similar to claim 4 and is rejected by the same reasoning.
Claim 19
Claim 19 recites limitations similar to claim 5 and is rejected by the same reasoning.
Claim 20
Claim 20 recites limitations similar to claim 6 and is rejected by the same reasoning.
RESPONSE TO ARGUMENTS
Applicant’s arguments, see Remarks p. 13, filed 12/23/2025, with respect to the rejections under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) have been fully considered and are persuasive in view of the claim amendments. Those rejections have been withdrawn.
Applicant’s arguments, see Remarks, filed 9/26/2025, with respect to rejections under §103 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
On page 13 and 14 Applicant argued against the cited art relying on the newly amended claim limitation reciting “active time is shortened.” The Examiner disagrees with Applicant. Li taught this limitations and the newly amended limitations. See the rejection above, including annotation of FIG. 3, and the description of FIG. 3 of Li.
On page 14, Applicant argued “Li and Zhou lack this subject matter, so claims 2, 9, and 16 are separately allowable,” referring to the amendments to claim 2, 9, and 16. The Examiner disagrees as explained in the rejection above.
On page 14, Applicant argued “Li and Zhou lack this subject matter, so claims 5, 12, and 19 are separately allowable,” referring to the amendments to claim 5, 12, and 19. The Examiner disagrees as explained in the rejection above.
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
/PETER P CHAU/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2476
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