DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Response to Amendment
This Action is in response to Applicant’s Amendment filed on October 15, 2025. Claims 1-80 are still pending in the present application. This Action is made NON-FINAL.
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claim(s) 1-2, 8-14, 17-22, 28-34, 37-42, 48-54, 57-62, 68-74 and 77-80 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Wang et al (US Pat. Pub. No. 2018/0124787).
Regarding claim 1, Wang et al discloses a method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE) (wireless device, 36), the method comprising: determining a positioning reference signal (PRS) to random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) mapping that maps PRS measurements to ROs during which the UE should transmit a RACH sequence (see at least paragraph 129; discloses mapping PRSs to resources); performing a PRS measurement (see at least paragraph 129; measure the PRSs mapped); and transmitting the RACH sequence on the RO during which the UE should transmit the RACH sequence, according to the PRS to RO mapping and based on the PRS measurement (see at least paragraph 129 discloses transmission of mapped PRS; also paragraph 145).
Regarding claim 2, Wang et al discloses performing the PRS measurement comprises performing the PRS measurement while the UE is in RRC_IDLE state or RRC_INACTIVE state (see at least paragraph 78).
Regarding claim 8, Wang et al discloses determining the PRS to RO mapping comprises receiving the PRS to RO mapping from a base station (see at least paragraph 130).
Regarding claim 9, Wang et al discloses receiving the PRS to RO mapping comprises receiving a system information block (SIB) or positioning SIB comprising the PRS to RO mapping (see at least paragraph 149).
Regarding claim 10, Wang et al discloses determining the PRS to RO mapping comprises mapping PRS measurements related to a measurement target to ROs during which the UE should transmit the RACH sequence, the measurement target comprising: one or more identified PRS resources; one or more identified PRS sets; one or more identified transmission/reception points (TRPs); one or more identified positioning frequency layers; or an identified combination thereof (see at least paragraph 129).
Regarding claim 11, Wang et al discloses a method of wireless communication performed by a base station (BS) (Base Station, 40), the method comprising: receiving, from a network entity, a positioning reference signal (PRS) to random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) mapping that maps PRS measurements to ROs during which a UE should transmit a RACH sequence (see at least paragraph 123; discloses mapping PRSs to resources); and sending, to the UE, the PRS to RO mapping (see at least paragraph 123 discloses transmission of mapped PRS; also see paragraph 125).
Regarding claim 12, Wang et al discloses receiving the PRS to RO mapping from the network entity comprises receiving the PRS to RO mapping from a location server or a location management function (see at least paragraph 130).
Regarding claim 13, Wang et al discloses sending the PRS to RO mapping comprises sending a system information block (SIB) or a positioning SIB comprising the PRS to RO mapping (see at least paragraph 149).
Regarding claim 14, Wang et al discloses receiving the PRS to RO mapping comprises receiving a mapping that maps PRS measurements related to a measurement target to ROs during which the UE should report PRS measurements related to the measurement target, the measurement target comprising: one or more identified PRS resources; one or more identified PRS sets; one or more identified transmission/reception points (TRPs); one or more identified positioning frequency layers; or an identified combination thereof (see at least paragraph 129).
Regarding claim 17, Wang et al discloses a method of wireless communication performed by a network entity (positioning network node, 44), the method comprising: determining a group of PRS resources (see at least paragraph 131; PRS configuration information); determining, based on the group of PRS resources, a positioning reference signal (PRS) to random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) mapping that maps PRS measurements to ROs during which a UE should transmit a RACH sequence (see at least paragraph 131; discloses mapping PRSs to resources); and sending the PRS to RO mapping to a base station that is serving the UE (see at least paragraph 133 discloses transmission of mapped PRS).
Regarding claim 18, Wang et al discloses the network entity comprises a location server or a location management function (see at least paragraph 130).
Regarding claim 19, Wang et al discloses the base station is a co-located with or is a component of the network entity (see at least paragraph 130).
Regarding claim 20, Wang et al discloses determining the group of PRS resources comprises determining the group of PRS resources based on transmission/reception points (TRPs) in a geographic region (see at least paragraph 76).
Regarding claim 21, Wang et al discloses a user equipment (UE) (wireless device, 36), comprising: a memory (paragraph 142, inherent in wireless device); at least one transceiver (paragraph 142, inherent in wireless device); and at least one processor (paragraph 142, inherent in wireless device) communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor configured to: determine a positioning reference signal (PRS) to random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) mapping that maps PRS measurements to ROs during which the UE should transmit a RACH sequence (see at least paragraph 129; discloses mapping PRSs to resources); perform a PRS measurement (see at least paragraph 129; measure the PRSs mapped); and transmit, via the at least one transceiver, the RACH sequence on the RO during which the UE should transmit the RACH sequence, according to the PRS to RO mapping and based on the PRS measurement (see at least paragraph 129 discloses transmission of mapped PRS; also paragraph 145).
Regarding claim 31, Wang et al discloses a base station (BS) (Base Station, 40), comprising: a memory (paragraph 141, memory); at least one transceiver (paragraph 140, inherent in base station); and at least one processor (paragraph 140, inherent in base station) communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor configured to: receive, via the at least one transceiver, from a network entity, a positioning reference signal (PRS) to random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) mapping that maps PRS measurements to ROs during which a UE should transmit a RACH sequence (see at least paragraph 123; discloses mapping PRSs to resources); and send, via the at least one transceiver, to the UE, the PRS to RO mapping (see at least paragraph 123 discloses transmission of mapped PRS; also see paragraph 125).
Regarding claim 37, Wang et al discloses a network entity (positioning network node, 44), comprising: a memory (paragraph 148, inherent in positioning network node); at least one transceiver (paragraph 148, inherent in positioning network node); and at least one processor (paragraph 148, inherent in positioning network node) communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor configured to: determine a group of PRS resources (see at least paragraph 131; PRS configuration information); determine, based on the group of PRS resources, a positioning reference signal (PRS) to random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) mapping that maps PRS measurements to ROs during which a UE should transmit a RACH sequence (see at least paragraph 131; discloses mapping PRSs to resources); and send, via the at least one transceiver, the PRS to RO mapping to a base station that is serving the UE (see at least paragraph 133 discloses transmission of mapped PRS).
Regarding claim 41, Wang et al discloses a user equipment (UE) (wireless device, 36), comprising: means for determining a positioning reference signal (PRS) to random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) mapping that maps PRS measurements to ROs during which the UE should transmit a RACH sequence (see at least paragraph 129; discloses mapping PRSs to resources); means for performing a PRS measurement (see at least paragraph 129; measure the PRSs mapped); and means for transmitting the RACH sequence on the RO during which the UE should transmit the RACH sequence, according to the PRS to RO mapping and based on the PRS measurement (see at least paragraph 129 discloses transmission of mapped PRS; also paragraph 145).
Regarding claim 51, Wang et al discloses a base station (BS) (Base Station, 40), comprising: means for receiving, from a network entity, a positioning reference signal (PRS) to random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) mapping that maps PRS measurements to ROs during which a UE should transmit a RACH sequence (see at least paragraph 123; discloses mapping PRSs to resources); and means for sending, to the UE, the PRS to RO mapping (see at least paragraph 123 discloses transmission of mapped PRS; also see paragraph 125).
Regarding claim 57, Wang et al discloses a network entity (positioning network node, 44), comprising: means for determining a group of PRS resources (see at least paragraph 131; PRS configuration information); means for determining, based on the group of PRS resources, a positioning reference signal (PRS) to random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) mapping that maps PRS measurements to ROs during which a UE should transmit a RACH sequence (see at least paragraph 131; discloses mapping PRSs to resources); and means for sending the PRS to RO mapping to a base station that is serving the UE (see at least paragraph 133 discloses transmission of mapped PRS).
Regarding claim 61, Wang et al discloses a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE) (wireless device, 36), cause the UE to: determine a positioning reference signal (PRS) to random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) mapping that maps PRS measurements to ROs during which the UE should transmit a RACH sequence (see at least paragraph 129; discloses mapping PRSs to resources); perform a PRS measurement (see at least paragraph 129; measure the PRSs mapped); and transmit the RACH sequence on the RO during which the UE should transmit the RACH sequence, according to the PRS to RO mapping and based on the PRS measurement (see at least paragraph 129 discloses transmission of mapped PRS; also paragraph 145).
Regarding claim 71, Wang et al discloses a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a base station (BS) (Base Station, 40), cause the BS to: receive, from a network entity, a positioning reference signal (PRS) to random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) mapping that maps PRS measurements to ROs during which a UE should transmit a RACH sequence (see at least paragraph 123; discloses mapping PRSs to resources); and send, to the UE, the PRS to RO mapping (see at least paragraph 123 discloses transmission of mapped PRS; also see paragraph 125).
Regarding claim 77, Wang et al discloses a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a network entity (positioning network node, 44), cause the network entity to: determine a group of PRS resources (see at least paragraph 131; PRS configuration information); determine, based on the group of PRS resources, a positioning reference signal (PRS) to random access channel (RACH) occasion (RO) mapping that maps PRS measurements to ROs during which a UE should transmit a RACH sequence (see at least paragraph 131; discloses mapping PRSs to resources); and send the PRS to RO mapping to a base station that is serving the UE (see at least paragraph 133 discloses transmission of mapped PRS).
Regarding claims 22, 28-30, 32-34, 38-40, 42, 48-50, 52-54, 58-60, 62, 68-70, 72-74 and 78-80, see above rejection of claims 2, 8-10, 12-14 and 18-20.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102 of this title, 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 set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claim 3-7, 15-16, 23-27, 35-36, 43-47, 55-56, 63-67 and 75-76 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wang et al (US Pat. Pub. No. 2018/0124787) in view of Lee et al (US Pat. Pub. No. 2023/0275726).
Regarding claim 3, Wang et al fails to explicitly disclose transmitting a sounding reference signal (SRS) mapped to the RO during which the UE should transmit the RACH sequence. However, in the same field of endeavor, Lee et al discloses transmitting a sounding reference signal (SRS) mapped to the RO during which the UE should transmit the RACH sequence (see at least paragraph 209). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to modify to incorporate above mention feature as taught by Lee et al into the system of Wang et al, for purpose of transmitting measurement value for PRS; transmit multiple results in one report.
Regarding claim 4, Wang et al fails to explicitly disclose transmitting the SRS comprises transmitting the SRS: using a same transmit beam used for the RO during which the UE should transmit the RACH sequence; using a same time and frequency resource used for the RO during which the UE should transmit the RACH sequence; or using one of one or more timing adjustment commands received from a base station; using a power offset specified by the base station or using a power offset of zero if no power offset is specified by the base station; using time and frequency resources specified by the base station; a combination thereof. However, in the same field of endeavor, Lee et al discloses transmitting the SRS comprises transmitting the SRS: using a same transmit beam used for the RO during which the UE should transmit the RACH sequence; using a same time and frequency resource used for the RO during which the UE should transmit the RACH sequence; or using one of one or more timing adjustment commands received from a base station; using a power offset specified by the base station or using a power offset of zero if no power offset is specified by the base station; using time and frequency resources specified by the base station; a combination thereof (see at least paragraph 392). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to modify to incorporate above mention feature as taught by Lee et al into the system of Wang et al, for purpose of transmitting measurement value for PRS; transmit multiple results in one report.
Regarding claim 5, Wang et al fails to explicitly disclose reporting, to a base station, a result of the PRS measurement, the result comprising a reception-to-transmission (Rx-Tx) measurement, a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement, a reference signal time difference (RSTD) measurement, a timestamp, a quality metrics measurement, or a combination thereof, wherein the result is reported to the base station according to the PRS measurement, the PRS to RO mapping, the SRS, or a combination thereof. However, in the same field of endeavor, Lee et al discloses reporting, to a base station, a result of the PRS measurement, the result comprising a reception-to-transmission (Rx-Tx) measurement, a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement, a reference signal time difference (RSTD) measurement, a timestamp, a quality metrics measurement, or a combination thereof, wherein the result is reported to the base station according to the PRS measurement, the PRS to RO mapping, the SRS, or a combination thereof (see at least paragraph 249). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to modify to incorporate above mention feature as taught by Lee et al into the system of Wang et al, for purpose of transmitting measurement value for PRS; transmit multiple results in one report.
Regarding claim 6, Wang et al fails to explicitly disclose reporting the result of the PRS measurement comprises reporting the result of the PRS measurement while the UE is in RRC_IDLE state or RRC_INACTIVE state. However, in the same field of endeavor, Lee et al discloses reporting the result of the PRS measurement comprises reporting the result of the PRS measurement while the UE is in RRC_IDLE state or RRC_INACTIVE state (see at least paragraph 346). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to modify to incorporate above mention feature as taught by Lee et al into the system of Wang et al, for purpose of transmitting measurement value for PRS; transmit multiple results in one report.
Regarding claim 7, Wang et al fails to explicitly disclose reporting the result of the PRS measurement comprises reporting the result of the PRS measurement to the base station via at least one physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) occasion, via at least one MSG3 message, or a combination thereof. However, in the same field of endeavor, Lee et al discloses reporting the result of the PRS measurement comprises reporting the result of the PRS measurement to the base station via at least one physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) occasion, via at least one MSG3 message, or a combination thereof (see at least paragraph 346). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to modify to incorporate above mention feature as taught by Lee et al into the system of Wang et al, for purpose of transmitting measurement value for PRS; transmit multiple results in one report.
Regarding claim 15, Wang et al fails to explicitly disclose receiving, from the UE and on at least one RO, a result of a PRS measurement; and determining the measurement target to which the PRS measurement relates, based on the PRS to RO mapping. However, in the same field of endeavor, Lee et al discloses receiving, from the UE and on at least one RO, a result of a PRS measurement; and determining the measurement target to which the PRS measurement relates, based on the PRS to RO mapping (see at least paragraph346). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to modify to incorporate above mention feature as taught by Lee et al into the system of Wang et al, for purpose of transmitting measurement value for PRS; transmit multiple results in one report.
Regarding claim 16, Wang et al fails to explicitly disclose sending, to the network entity, the result of the PRS measurement and an indication of the measurement target to which the PRS measurement relates. However, in the same field of endeavor, Lee et al discloses sending, to the network entity, the result of the PRS measurement and an indication of the measurement target to which the PRS measurement relates (see at least paragraph 346). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to modify to incorporate above mention feature as taught by Lee et al into the system of Wang et al, for purpose of transmitting measurement value for PRS; transmit multiple results in one report.
Regarding claims 23-27, 35-36, 43-47, 55-56, 63-67 and 75-76, see above rejection of claims 3-7 and 15-16.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, filed on October 15, 2025, with respect to the rejection(s) of claim(s) 1-80 have been fully considered and are persuasive. Therefore, the rejection has been withdrawn. However, upon further consideration, a new ground(s) of rejection is made in view of Wang et al and Lee et al.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to Applicant's disclosure.
The following prior art are cited to show a method, which is considered pertinent to the claimed invention:
Wang et al (US Pat. Pub. No. 2018/0020423) directed toward transmitting the PRS using the determined resources.
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/LITON MIAH/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2642