Detail Action
The office action is in response to the communications filed on 04/13/2026.
Notice of 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 .
Claims Status
Claim 4 and 14 have been cancelled.
Claims 1-3, 5-7, 20, 22, and 24 have been amended.
Claims 1-3, 5-13, and 15-25 are pending in this application.
Prior Art Made of Record
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Farag et al. (Publication No. US 2022/0015059), the prior art discloses a group of UEs communicating over PC5 interface and corresponding positioning approach, using round-trip time (RTT) measurements as an example of a positioning measurement, for UEs with unknown location; see figure 5 & ¶ 12.
Response to Arguments
35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2)
Regarding claim 1, Applicant remarks, filed on 04/13/2026, argues that the cited portion of the prior art, individually or in combination, fails to discloses the features in claim 1.
Applicant indicates that the features reciting a “transmitting a sidelink (SL) round-trip time (RTT) measurement request to at least one other UE” are not disclosed by the prior art. Examiner respectfully disagrees. Ko discloses a target UE transmit a first PRS [measurement request] to a server UE, wherein the time point when the target UE transmits the first PRS [request] to the server UE may be expressed as t1; see figure 19 Step 1910 & ¶ 0286. Applicant argues that Ko's first PRS transmissions are positioning reference signals used for ranging and are not disclosed as an explicit SL RTT measurement request as recited in amended independent claim 1. Examiner notes that the limitation it is interpreted as a message between two UE [sidelink] that enables to determine the RTT value. Furthermore, the limitation fails to explicitly disclose that the message can’t be a PRS. Therefore, the claim is met by the prior art because it discloses that the PRS message [request] enables the determination of the RTT value [measurement].
In addition, Applicant argues that Ko relies on postprocessing of multiple timestamps rather than defining the RTT measurement based on the specific request transmission or request arrival event as explicitly claimed. Examiner respectfully disagrees. The limitations of claim 1 fails to explicitly describe the mechanism used for determining the RTT value. Therefore, the claim is met by the prior art because it discloses that the PRS message enables the determination of the RTT value.
35 U.S.C. 112(b)
Claims 1-4, 6, and 24-26 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 112(b) as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the invention. However, Applicant’s arguments with respect to 35 U.S.C. § 112(b) rejection have been fully considered and are persuasive. Therefore, the rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 112(b) is hereby withdrawn.
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)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1-3, 8-13, and 17-25 are rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Ko et al. (Publication No. US 2022/0361142, hereinafter referred to as Ko ).
Regarding claims 1, 20, 22, and 24, Ko discloses transmitting a sidelink (SL) round-trip time (RTT) measurement request to at least one other UE (A target UE transmit a first PRS [measurement request] to a server UE, wherein the time point when the target UE transmits the first PRS [request] to the server UE may be expressed as t1; see figure 19 Step 1910 & ¶ 0286. NOTE: The first PRS has been equated to the request because it triggers the RTT measurement on the server UE. After receiving the first PRS, the server determines the arrival time (t2) of the first PRS and the departure time (t3) in order to calculate the first time difference (t3-t2). The first time difference in combination with a second time difference enables the determination of the RTT measurement; see figure 19 step 1930-1950.); and
communicating, with the at least one other UE in response to the SL RTT measurement request, an indication of an SL RTT measurement (In response to the first PRS [measurement request], the server UE may transmit a second PRS to the target UE, wherein the time point at which the server UE transmits the second PRS to the target UE may be expressed as t3; see figure 19 step 1920. Furthermore, the server UE transmit a first time difference [indication of the SL RTT measurement], wherein the first time difference may be a time difference between a time point at which the server UE transmits the second PRS to the target UE and a time point at which the server UE receives the first PRS; see figure 19 step 1930 & ¶ 289. For example, the first time difference may be expressed as t3−t2; see ¶ 289.).
wherein the SL RTT measurement request is based on a time of transmission of the SL RTT measurement request by the UE (A target UE transmit a first PRS [measurement request] to a server UE, wherein the time point when the target UE transmits the first PRS [request] to the server UE may be expressed as t1; see figure 19 Step 1910 & ¶ 0286. NOTE: After transmitting the first PRS [trigger], the target UE determines the departure time (t1) of the first PRS, and combines it with the arrival time (t4) in order to calculate the second time difference (t4-t1). The first time difference in combination with a second time difference enables the determination of the RTT measurement; see figure 19 step 1930-1950; see figure 19 step 1930-1940.).
Regarding claims 2 and 12, Ko discloses that the communicating comprises transmitting the SL RTT measurement indication to the at least one other UE (The server UE transmit a first time difference [indication of the SL RTT measurement], wherein the first time difference may be a time difference between a time point at which the server UE transmits the second PRS to the target UE and a time point at which the server UE receives the first PRS; see figure 19 step 1930 & ¶ 289. For example, the first time difference may be expressed as t3−t2; see ¶ 289.)
Regarding claim 3, Ko discloses that the at least one other UE comprises a single UE (The target UE transmit a first positioning reference signal (PRS) to the server UE; see figure 19.).
Regarding claims 8 and 17, Ko discloses that the SL RTT measurement request is configured to request a series of SL RTT measurement repetitions (The target UE transmit a first PTS and a second PRS; see figure 17 step 1740-1750.).
Regarding claims 9 and 18, Ko discloses that the transmitting transmits the SL RTT measurement request via L1, L2 or L3 signaling (It is inherent that the communication be transmitted at least by a layer 1 signaling; see figure 19).
Regarding claims 10 and 19, Ko discloses that the SL RTT measurement indication is associated with a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) of a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) or a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) (The server UE transmit a first time difference [indication of the SL RTT measurement], wherein the first time difference may be a time difference between a time point at which the server UE transmits the second PRS to the target UE and a time point at which the server UE receives the first PRS; see figure 19 step 1930 & ¶ 289. For example, the first time difference may be expressed as t3−t2; see ¶ 289. Furthermore, the server UE may accept the request for participation in the SL RTT based on a measurement value of reference signal received power (RSRP) for a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) related to a first PSCCH transmitted by the first UE; see figure 17 step 1720 & ¶ 0210. NOTE: The limitation fails to explicitly disclose the type of association, between the measurement indication and the DMRS of the PSCCH. Thus, the association has been interpreted as the determination to participate in the RTT measurement.).
Regarding claims 11, 21, 23 and 25, Ko discloses receiving a sidelink (SL) round-trip time (RTT) measurement request from a second UE (A target UE transmit a first PRS [measurement request] to a server UE, wherein the time point when the target UE transmits the first PRS [request] to the server UE may be expressed as t1; see figure 19 Step 1910 & ¶ 0286. NOTE: The first PRS has been equated to the request because it triggers the RTT measurement on the server UE. After receiving the first PRS, the server determines the arrival time (t2) of the first PRS and the departure time (t3) in order to calculate the first time difference (t3-t2). The first time difference in combination with a second time difference enables the determination of the RTT measurement; see figure 19 step 1930-1950.); and
communicating, with the second UE in response to the SL RTT measurement request, an indication of an SL RTT measurement (In response to the first PRS [measurement request], the server UE may transmit a second PRS to the target UE, wherein the time point at which the server UE transmits the second PRS to the target UE may be expressed as t3; see figure 19 step 1920. Furthermore, the server UE transmit a first time difference [indication of the SL RTT measurement], wherein the first time difference may be a time difference between a time point at which the server UE transmits the second PRS to the target UE and a time point at which the server UE receives the first PRS; see figure 19 step 1930 & ¶ 289. For example, the first time difference may be expressed as t3−t2; see ¶ 289.).
wherein the SL RTT measurement request is based on a time of transmission of the SL RTT measurement request at the first UE (A target UE transmit a first PRS [measurement request] to a server UE, wherein the time point when the target UE transmits the first PRS [request] to the server UE may be expressed as t1; see figure 19 Step 1910 & ¶ 0286. NOTE: After transmitting the first PRS [trigger], the target UE determines the departure time (t1) of the first PRS, and combines it with the arrival time (t4) in order to calculate the second time difference (t4-t1). The first time difference in combination with a second time difference enables the determination of the RTT measurement; see figure 19 step 1930-1950; see figure 19 step 1930-1940.).
Regarding claim 13, Ko the SL RTT measurement request is a unicast message (The SL communication can be broadcast-type or unicast-type; see figure 11 & ¶ 0110.).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent may not be obtained though the invention is not identically disclosed or described as set forth in section 102 of this title, if the differences between the subject matter sought to be patented and the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which said subject matter pertains. Patentability shall not be negatived 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 AIA 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 5 and 15 are rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over by Ko et al. (Publication No. US 2022/0361142, hereinafter referred to as Ko ) in view of Edge et al. (Publication No. US 2013/0316727, hereinafter referred as Edge).
Regarding claim 5, Ko discloses that the at least one other UE comprises a plurality of UEs (The target UE may request a server UE 1 and a server UE 2 to participate in SL RTT; see figure 18 step 1810.).
Ko discloses transmitting the PRS to the server UE, but fails to explicitly disclose that the transmitting broadcasts, groupcasts or multicasts the SL RTT measurement request to the plurality of UEs. However, in analogous art, Edge discloses that the D2D communication comprises broadcasting signals such as Positioning Reference Signal (PRS); see ¶ 68. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Ko measurement system with the broadcasting mechanism of Edge in order to the capability to measure multiple UEs using a single message.
Regarding claim 15, Ko discloses transmitting the PRS to the server UE, but fails to explicitly disclose that the SL RTT measurement request is a broadcast, groupcast or multicast message. However, in analogous art, Edge discloses that the D2D communication comprises broadcasting signals such as Positioning Reference Signal (PRS); see ¶ 68. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Ko measurement system with the broadcasting mechanism of Edge in order to the capability to measure multiple UEs using a single message.
Claims 6-7 and 16 are rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over by Ko et al. (Publication No. US 20220361142, hereinafter referred to as Ko ) in view of Edge et al. (Publication No. US 2013/0316727, hereinafter referred as Edge) and further in view of Chae et al. (Publication No. US 2018/0098299, hereinafter referred as Chae).
Regarding claim 6, Ko fails to disclose that the communicating comprising receiving the SL RTT measurement indication from a subset of the plurality of UEs that comprises one or more UEs with a known absolute location, and wherein the receiving further receives an indication of the respective known absolute location from the one or more UEs in the subset. However, in analogous art, Chae discloses that the response signal transmitted by the second UE includes location information; see ¶ 0100. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Ko with the location information in order to know an approximate radius of an absolute location of the second UE; see ¶ 0100.
Regarding claims 7 and 16, Ko fails to disclose that determining whether an absolute location of the UE is known, wherein the communicating comprises transmitting the SL RTT measurement indication to the at least one other UE along with an indication of the known absolute location of the UE.However, in analogous art, Chae discloses that the response signal transmitted by the second UE includes location information; see ¶ 0100. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Ko with the location information in order to know an approximate radius of an absolute location of the second UE; see ¶ 0100.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Hector Reyes (Hector.Reyes@uspto.gov) whose telephone number is (571) 270-0239. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 6-5.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Kevin Bates (Kevin.Bates@uspto.gov) can be reached on (571) 270-0239. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/H.R/Examiner, Art Unit 2472
/KEVIN T BATES/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2472
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