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 Arguments
Applicant’s Amendments and Arguments filed 07/30/2025 have been considered for examination. Due to the date, the previous rejection was based on the PCT translation claims. Now, the original claims 27-46 are examined as the 2nd office action.
With regard to the objections to Claims, Applicant’s arguments filed 07/30/2025 (see page 10 of Remarks) in view of the amendments have been fully considered and are persuasive. The objection to Claims in the current Office Action have been withdrawn.
With regard to the 101 rejections, Applicant’s arguments filed 07/30/2025 (see page 11 of Remarks) in view of the amendments have been fully considered and are persuasive. Thus, the 101 rejections have been withdrawn.
With regard to the 103 rejections, Applicant’s arguments filed 07/30/2025 (see pages 11-14 of Remarks) have been fully considered and discard the previous rejection. The new ground(s) of rejection for claims 27-46, not addressed in the previous action, is presented in the instant Office Action.
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, 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.
Claims 27-36 and 39-46 are rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yung-lan Tseng et al. (USPub No.: US 20190222367 A1, hereinafter “Tseng”) in a view of Anil Agiwal et al. (USPub. No.: US 20200296639 A1, hereinafter “Agiwal”).
Regarding claim 27, Tseng teaches that a random access method, comprising: (Tseng, in Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0021], teaches Fig. 1 shows the diagram illustrating a cell with SUL CC (Component Carrier) deployment and for the UL/SUL (Uplink/Supplemental Uplink) component carrier decision procedure, the UE decides to apply a UL CC or a SUL CC based on random access resource configurations on the uplink component carriers. Therefore, it is clear that a random access method is comprised) receiving configuration information from a network device, wherein the configuration information comprises information about a plurality of supplementary uplinks (SULs), and wherein the information comprises a transmission quality parameter of at least one of the plurality of SULs; (Tseng, in Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0046]-[0050], teaches that uplink packet delivery (e.g., uplink packet delivery through Physical Uplink Share Channel (PUSCH) transmissions) is implemented on only one of the UL and SUL CCs, and the UL/SUL component carrier decision is controlled by the serving cell(s). In contrast, one cell may support initial access on UL CC or SUL CC by configuring separated Random Access resource (RA (Random Access) resource) for the respective UL CC or SUL CC through control signaling (e.g., through broadcasting system information or dedicated RRC control signaling). However, the UE may select only one carrier (between UL CC and SUL CC) for initial access. In a RAN (e.g., NR RAN or LTE RAN), there may be none, one, or up to two PRACH configuration(s) with corresponding RA resource & PRACH preamble sets in a cell. Moreover, in some implementations (e.g., LTE protocols), an evolved NodeB (eNB) (under LTE protocols) may indicate to an RRC idle UE to apply a Restricted set of random access (RA) resource or an Unrestricted set of RA resource by setting a HighSpeedFlag in the RA resource configuration of SIB 2 (System Information Block 2). As shown in diagram 200 of FIG. 2, a UE may apply a Restricted set (Type A) as one of the PRACH preamble set if the highSpeedFlag=true. Otherwise, the UE may apply an Unrestricted set if the highSpeedFlag=false. On the other hand, to a UE that supports mobility enhancements, the UE should apply Restricted set (type B) for random access procedure if Restricted set (type B) is configured as the PRACH preamble Set 2. In the next generation (e.g., 5G NR) wireless networks, there is a need for a gNB to configure different PRACH configuration(s) for UL CCs and SUL CCs separately. Based on the NR protocols, each cell may indicate the types of PRACH preamble sets by providing an Information Element 'restrictedSetConfig', which indicates the PRACH preamble set is 'Unrestricted set', 'Restricted set (Type A)' or 'Restricted set (Type B)', in the RACH-Config of system information. Thus, different uplink (UL/SUL) component carrier selection rules need to be provided by different RA resource configurations in UL and/or SUL CCs. In FIG. 1, each cell which supports both an UL CC (e.g., a primary UL CC) and a SUL CC may configure a downlink (DL)-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold (considered as transmission quality parameter), and each cell may broadcast the DL-RSRP threshold to the UE, for example, through system info oration. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle state (or RRC inactive state) may select a SUL CC for initial access or for camping, if the UE detects that the DL-RSRP value from the serving cell of the UE is below the DL-RSRP-threshold, which is broadcasted by the serving cell. It is clear that the configuration information is received from a network device that comprises information about a plurality of supplementary uplinks (SULs) and comprises a transmission quality parameter of at least one of the plurality of SULs.)
However, Tseng does not explicitly teach that selecting, based on the configuration information, a first SUL for random access from the plurality of SULs; and initiating random access on the first SUL.
Agiwal teaches that selecting, based on the configuration information, a first SUL for random access from the plurality of SULs; and initiating random access on the first SUL (Agiwal, in Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0033], teaches that as shown in FIG. 1, in coverage region 2 (140), UL (Uplink) coverage can be provided by only the SUL carrier. Signals transmitted on the SUL carrier by a UE (120) in the coverage region 2 (140) can be received by the gNB (100). The UE (110, 120) decides to use the SUL or the NUL based on the DL signaling quality. If the DL determine reference signal received power (RSRP) >= RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) threshold the UE (110) uses the UL carrier for UL transmissions. If DL (Downlink) RSRP < RSRP threshold the UE (120) uses the SUL carrier for UL transmissions. Typically, in the RRC IDLE/INACTIVE state, if a cell supports both SUL and UL carrier, the UE (110, 120) selects between the SUL and the UL carrier when random access procedure is initiated. In addition, if there are multiple SULs, the prioritization as described in the above may be needed. Therefore, it is clear that the SUL may be selected for random access based on the configuration information such as the DL RSRP threshold and initiating random access on the first SUL with/without SUL prioritization.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Tseng and Agiwal to include the technique of selecting a first SUL used for random access from the plurality of SULs based on the configuration information; and initiating random access on the first SUL of Agiwal in the system of Tseng to provide a method and an apparatus of uplink (UL) access in a cell supporting supplementary uplink (SUL) to fully support the cell (re)selection to camp on a cell in a radio resource control (RRC) IDLE and a RRC INACTIVE state in 5G wireless communication, resulting in enhancing the uplink coverage of the cell. (Agiwal, see Paragraphs [0002], [0007], and [0024]).).
Regarding claim 28, combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches the features defined in the claim 27, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Tseng further teaches that wherein the configuration information further comprises at least one piece of parameter information for each of the plurality of SULs, and wherein the at least one piece comprises a channel quality threshold, (Tseng, In Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0050], teaches that in FIG. 1, each cell which supports both an UL CC (e.g., a primary UL CC) and a SUL CC may configure a downlink (DL)-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, and each cell may broadcast the DL-RSRP threshold to the UE, for example, through system info oration. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle state (or RRC inactive state) may select a SUL CC for initial access or for camping, if the UE detects that the DL-RSRP value from the serving cell of the UE is below the DL-RSRP-threshold, which is broadcasted by the serving cell. Therefore, it is clear that the SUL may be selected based on the channel quality (DL RSRP) threshold.) an SUL priority, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0137], teaches that for cell (re)selection, a SUL CC may be selected as the uplink CC for initial access after the SUL prioritization is triggered. Therefore, the UE may select the SUL CC directly by referring to RRC Connection/Resume Cause, NAS signaling, or UE mobility state. Therefore, it is clear that UE may select UL SUL based on the SUL priority information.) a quantity of available SUL resources, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0164] and in Tables 11-1 and 11-2, teaches that An RA (Random Access) resource configuration may include (1) N.A., (2) RA Restricted sets only, (3) RA Unrestricted sets only, or (4) one RA Restricted set and one RA Unrestricted set, to one UL CC. Thus, a UE may need to jointly consider Table 11-1 and Table 11-2 for UL/SUL CC selection. It is noted that a RA Restricted set may be Type A or Type B RA Restricted set. In this observation, it is clear that the SUL may be selected by using a quantity of available SUL resources (restricted or unrestricted RA resources (SUL resources)) an SUL load, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0093], teaches that for certain types of services, such as CCTV image monitoring, a UE may need to transmit a large amount of data to the core network in the uplink direction. So, the UE may need SUL CC(s) to support such service which requires a large amount of uplink bandwidth. In one implementation, the NAS layer may instruct the UE (through NAS signaling) to assign a cell supporting SUL CC a higher priority than a cell not supporting SUL CC, when a network slice (e.g., CCTV image monitoring) with UL-dominant traffic is indicated in the NAS signaling. In this observation, the configuration information may include SUL load such as the amount of uplink bandwidth.) a slot position of an available SUL random access channel RACH resource, (Tseng, in Fig. 3 and Paragraph [0098]-[0103], teaches that the as shown in Fig. 3, a base station (e.g., a gNB) may indicate whether a SUL CC is configured in at least one of its cells, for example, by broadcasting the SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 (System Information Block 1). Thus, a cell may provide SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 if a SUL CC is deployed in the cell. When a UE receives the SIB l(s) of one or more cells from the base station, the UE may observe whether SUL CC(s) is supported or not by the one or more cells of the base station. Alternatively, a Supplementary Uplink Indicator, which indicates whether the cell itself supports SUL or not, may be included in minimum system information (be provided in the Remaining minimum System Information or Physical Broadcast Channel, or Physical Shared Channel), which is broadcasted by the neighboring cells themselves. As shown, here, the UE may receive SUL CC configuration information from the base station through SIB or Supplementary Uplink Indicator and according to this information, the slot configuration supporting by SUL CC may be configured for initial access. If there are multiple SUL CC, the UE may need further the prioritization based on DL signaling quality. Based on this observation, it is clear that the slot positions supporting by SUL CC may be selected by the UE using the information from SIB 1 or Supplementary Uplink Indicator with/without the Prioritization with DL signaling quality.)
However, Tseng does not explicitly teach that a band in which the SUL is located.
Agiwal further teaches that a band in which the SUL is located (Agiwal, in Fig. 2 and in Paragraph [0041], teaches that in Fig. 2, the UE camps on a suitable cell (200). The cell (on which the UE camps) supports a downlink (DL) carrier, an uplink (UL) carrier and a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier. Note that the presence of the SUL carrier in the cell is indicated by presence of supplementaryUplink IE in SIB1. The supplementaryUplink IE provides information (such as associated frequency band(s), additionalPmax and additionalSpectrumEmission values, bandwidth, BWP configuration, etc.) related to the SUL. Therefore, the configuration information may include a slot position of an available SUL random access channel RACH resource such as BWP configuration, and a band in which the SUL is located, such additionalSpectrumEmission values and bandwidth.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Tseng and Agiwal to include the technique of a band in which the SUL is located of Agiwal in the system of Tseng to provide a method and an apparatus of uplink (UL) access in a cell supporting supplementary uplink (SUL) to fully support the cell (re)selection to camp on a cell in a radio resource control (RRC) IDLE and a RRC INACTIVE state in 5G wireless communication, resulting in enhancing the uplink coverage of the cell. (Agiwal, see Paragraphs [0002], [0007], and [0024]).).
Regarding claim 29, combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches the features defined in the claim 27, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Tseng further teaches that wherein the configuration information further comprises first parameter information or second parameter information, and wherein selecting the first SUL comprises: (Tseng, in Paragraphs [0021] and [0022], teaches that for the UL/SUL component carrier decision procedure, the UE decides to apply a UL CC or a SUL CC based on random access resource configurations on the uplink component carriers. the UE receives configurations and parameters of a cell for SUL prioritization and the UL/SUL component carrier decision procedure through downlink control signaling, wherein the configurations and parameters differ with the mobility state of the UE. Therefore, it is clear that selecting a SUL for random access among the plurality of SULs may be done by SUL prioritization and UL/SUL component carrier decision procedure based on the configuration and parameters.) determining, based on the first parameter information, M second SULs, wherein the first parameter information comprises at least one first piece of parameter information for each of the plurality of SULs, and wherein M is an integer greater than or equal to 1; determining that the second SUL is the first SUL when M is equal to 1; and determining, based on the second parameter information, the first SUL from the M second SULs when M is greater than 1, wherein the second parameter information comprises at least one second piece of parameter information for each of the plurality of SULs, and wherein the first parameter information and the second parameter information are different. (Tseng, in Table 2 – 7 and in Paragraphs [0095] – [0135], teaches that Paragraphs [0095] – [0135] describe SUL prioritization method with various criteria and how to apply the multiple criteria to prioritization. Table 2 shows the various criteria to SUL prioritization and as an example, in table 3, based on the UE mobility, UE may decide to perform SUL prioritization with multiple criteria such as Qrxlevminoffset related to RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) and Pcompensation related to Tx (Transmit) Power that are defined in Table 2. Further, in Paragraph [0135] – [0164] and in Table 8-11, Tseng describes how to select UL/SUL CC (Component Carrier) by using SUL prioritization. Specifically, in Case 3-3 A and B, for the random access procedure in RRC (Radio Resource Control) inactive state, it describes how to apply the SUL prioritization to select UL/SUL carriers. Based on this observation, if the number of available SUL (M) is one, according to the threshold, the SUL CC can be selected for the uplink CC for initial access. Also, if there are multiple available SUL (M>1), based on the SUL prioritization using multiple criteria, UE may select the UL/SUL CC as the uplink CC for initial access. Further, the first and second parameters are different, since SUL prioritization is performed based on multiple criteria.) wherein the at least one first piece comprises at least one of a channel quality threshold, (Tseng, In Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0050], teaches that in FIG. 1, each cell which supports both an UL CC (e.g., a primary UL CC) and a SUL CC may configure a downlink (DL)-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, and each cell may broadcast the DL-RSRP threshold to the UE, for example, through system info oration. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle state (or RRC inactive state) may select a SUL CC for initial access or for camping, if the UE detects that the DL-RSRP value from the serving cell of the UE is below the DL-RSRP-threshold, which is broadcasted by the serving cell. Therefore, it is clear that the SUL may be selected based on the channel quality (DL RSRP) threshold.) the SUL priority, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0137], teaches that for cell (re)selection, a SUL CC may be selected as the uplink CC for initial access after the SUL prioritization is triggered. Therefore, the UE may select the SUL CC directly by referring to RRC Connection/Resume Cause, NAS signaling, or UE mobility state. Therefore, it is clear that UE may select UL SUL based on the SUL priority information.) the quantity of available SUL resources, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0164] and in Tables 11-1 and 11-2, teaches that An RA (Random Access) resource configuration may include (1) N.A., (2) RA Restricted sets only, (3) RA Unrestricted sets only, or (4) one RA Restricted set and one RA Unrestricted set, to one UL CC. Thus, a UE may need to jointly consider Table 11-1 and Table 11-2 for UL/SUL CC selection. It is noted that a RA Restricted set may be Type A or Type B RA Restricted set. In this observation, it is clear that the SUL may be selected by using a quantity of available SUL resources (restricted or unrestricted RA resources (SUL resources)) the SUL load, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0093], teaches that for certain types of services, such as CCTV image monitoring, a UE may need to transmit a large amount of data to the core network in the uplink direction. So, the UE may need SUL CC(s) to support such service which requires a large amount of uplink bandwidth. In one implementation, the NAS layer may instruct the UE (through NAS signaling) to assign a cell supporting SUL CC a higher priority than a cell not supporting SUL CC, when a network slice (e.g., CCTV image monitoring) with UL-dominant traffic is indicated in the NAS signaling. In this observation, the configuration information may include SUL load such as the amount of uplink bandwidth.) the slot position of an available SUL random access channel RACH resource, (Tseng, in Fig. 3 and Paragraph [0098]-[0103], teaches that the as shown in Fig. 3, a base station (e.g., a gNB) may indicate whether a SUL CC is configured in at least one of its cells, for example, by broadcasting the SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 (System Information Block 1). Thus, a cell may provide SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 if a SUL CC is deployed in the cell. When a UE receives the SIB l(s) of one or more cells from the base station, the UE may observe whether SUL CC(s) is supported or not by the one or more cells of the base station. Alternatively, a Supplementary Uplink Indicator, which indicates whether the cell itself supports SUL or not, may be included in minimum system information (be provided in the Remaining minimum System Information or Physical Broadcast Channel, or Physical Shared Channel), which is broadcasted by the neighboring cells themselves. As shown, here, the UE may receive SUL CC configuration information from the base station through SIB or Supplementary Uplink Indicator and according to this information, the slot configuration supporting by SUL CC may be configured for initial access. If there are multiple SUL CC, the UE may need further the prioritization based on DL signaling quality. Based on this observation, it is clear that the slot positions supporting by SUL CC may be selected by the UE using the information from SIB 1 or Supplementary Uplink Indicator with/without the Prioritization with DL signaling quality.) wherein the at least one second piece comprises at least one of the channel quality threshold, (Tseng, In Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0050], teaches that in FIG. 1, each cell which supports both an UL CC (e.g., a primary UL CC) and a SUL CC may configure a downlink (DL)-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, and each cell may broadcast the DL-RSRP threshold to the UE, for example, through system info oration. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle state (or RRC inactive state) may select a SUL CC for initial access or for camping, if the UE detects that the DL-RSRP value from the serving cell of the UE is below the DL-RSRP-threshold, which is broadcasted by the serving cell. Therefore, it is clear that the SUL may be selected based on the channel quality (DL RSRP) threshold.) an SUL priority, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0137], teaches that for cell (re)selection, a SUL CC may be selected as the uplink CC for initial access after the SUL prioritization is triggered. Therefore, the UE may select the SUL CC directly by referring to RRC Connection/Resume Cause, NAS signaling, or UE mobility state. Therefore, it is clear that UE may select UL SUL based on the SUL priority information.) the quantity, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0164] and in Tables 11-1 and 11-2, teaches that An RA (Random Access) resource configuration may include (1) N.A., (2) RA Restricted sets only, (3) RA Unrestricted sets only, or (4) one RA Restricted set and one RA Unrestricted set, to one UL CC. Thus, a UE may need to jointly consider Table 11-1 and Table 11-2 for UL/SUL CC selection. It is noted that a RA Restricted set may be Type A or Type B RA Restricted set. In this observation, it is clear that the SUL may be selected by using a quantity of available SUL resources (restricted or unrestricted RA resources (SUL resources)) the SUL load, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0093], teaches that for certain types of services, such as CCTV image monitoring, a UE may need to transmit a large amount of data to the core network in the uplink direction. So, the UE may need SUL CC(s) to support such service which requires a large amount of uplink bandwidth. In one implementation, the NAS layer may instruct the UE (through NAS signaling) to assign a cell supporting SUL CC a higher priority than a cell not supporting SUL CC, when a network slice (e.g., CCTV image monitoring) with UL-dominant traffic is indicated in the NAS signaling. In this observation, the configuration information may include SUL load such as the amount of uplink bandwidth.) the slot position, (Tseng, in Fig. 3 and Paragraph [0098]-[0103], teaches that the as shown in Fig. 3, a base station (e.g., a gNB) may indicate whether a SUL CC is configured in at least one of its cells, for example, by broadcasting the SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 (System Information Block 1). Thus, a cell may provide SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 if a SUL CC is deployed in the cell. When a UE receives the SIB l(s) of one or more cells from the base station, the UE may observe whether SUL CC(s) is supported or not by the one or more cells of the base station. Alternatively, a Supplementary Uplink Indicator, which indicates whether the cell itself supports SUL or not, may be included in minimum system information (be provided in the Remaining minimum System Information or Physical Broadcast Channel, or Physical Shared Channel), which is broadcasted by the neighboring cells themselves. As shown, here, the UE may receive SUL CC configuration information from the base station through SIB or Supplementary Uplink Indicator and according to this information, the slot configuration supporting by SUL CC may be configured for initial access. If there are multiple SUL CC, the UE may need further the prioritization based on DL signaling quality. Based on this observation, it is clear that the slot positions supporting by SUL CC may be selected by the UE using the information from SIB 1 or Supplementary Uplink Indicator with/without the Prioritization with DL signaling quality.)
However, Tseng does not explicitly teach that a band, the band.
Agiwal further teaches that a band, the band (Agiwal, in Fig. 2 and in Paragraph [0041], teaches that in Fig. 2, the UE camps on a suitable cell (200). The cell (on which the UE camps) supports a downlink (DL) carrier, an uplink (UL) carrier and a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier. Note that the presence of the SUL carrier in the cell is indicated by presence of supplementaryUplink IE in SIB1. The supplementaryUplink IE provides information (such as associated frequency band(s), additionalPmax and additionalSpectrumEmission values, bandwidth, BWP configuration, etc.) related to the SUL. Therefore, the configuration information may include a slot position of an available SUL random access channel RACH resource such as BWP configuration, and a band in which the SUL is located, such additionalSpectrumEmission values and bandwidth.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Tseng and Agiwal to include the technique of a band, the band of Agiwal in the system of Tseng to provide a method and an apparatus of uplink (UL) access in a cell supporting supplementary uplink (SUL) to fully support the cell (re)selection to camp on a cell in a radio resource control (RRC) IDLE and a RRC INACTIVE state in 5G wireless communication, resulting in enhancing the uplink coverage of the cell. (Agiwal, see Paragraphs [0002], [0007], and [0024]).
Although combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches all of claim 29, the Examiner notes that this claim contains contingent limitations. For method claims with contingent limitations, the broadest reasonable interpretation includes methods where the condition is met and where the condition isn't met. The limitation starting with “when M is greater than 1, …” is contingent limitation. The claim has been interpreted to not require the conditions stated to be met. See MPEP 2111.04 subsection 11.).
Regarding claim 30, combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches the features defined in the claim 29, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Tseng further teaches that wherein when the at least one first piece comprises the channel quality threshold, (Tseng, in Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0050], teaches that in FIG. 1, each cell which supports both an UL CC (e.g., a primary UL CC) and a SUL CC may configure a downlink (DL)-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, and each cell may broadcast the DL-RSRP threshold to the UE, for example, through system information. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle state (or RRC inactive state) may select a SUL CC for initial access or for camping, if the UE detects that the DL-RSRP value from the serving cell of the UE is below the DL-RSRP-threshold which is broadcasted by the serving cell. Therefore, it is clear that using the threshold of the channel quality such as DL-RSRP for SUL, UE may select and apply a SUL CC for initial random access.) determining the M second SULs comprises: receiving a downlink signal; determining, based on the downlink signal, an information value representing a channel quality for each of the plurality of SULs; and determining, based on the information value and the channel quality threshold for each of the plurality of SULs, the M second SULs, (Tseng, in Table 2, 3, 4(a), and 4(b)a and in Paragraphs [0107] to [0120], teaches that in table 2, the criteria based on the channel quality such as DL (Downlink) RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power ) and RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality is defined. In Table 3, 4(a), and 4(b), the combination of variation criteria based on the RSRP and/RSRQ is applied to prioritize the available SUL CC and according to the prioritization, the SUL CC may be determined for the initial access as describe in Case 3-3 A and B and in Table 11-1 and 11-2. Therefore, it is clear that UE may determine SUC CC by using the prioritization based on the channel quality information and threshold such as (DL RSRP and DL RSRQ). wherein when M is greater than 1, the at least one second piece comprises at least one of the SUL priority, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0137], teaches that for cell (re)selection, a SUL CC may be selected as the uplink CC for initial access after the SUL prioritization is triggered. Therefore, the UE may select the SUL CC directly by referring to RRC Connection/Resume Cause, NAS signaling, or UE mobility state. Therefore, it is clear that UE may select UL SUL based on the SUL priority information.) the quantity, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0164] and in Tables 11-1 and 11-2, teaches that An RA (Random Access) resource configuration may include (1) N.A., (2) RA Restricted sets only, (3) RA Unrestricted sets only, or (4) one RA Restricted set and one RA Unrestricted set, to one UL CC. Thus, a UE may need to jointly consider Table 11-1 and Table 11-2 for UL/SUL CC selection. It is noted that a RA Restricted set may be Type A or Type B RA Restricted set. In this observation, it is clear that the SUL may be selected by using a quantity of available SUL resources (restricted or unrestricted RA resources (SUL resources)) the SUL load, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0093], teaches that for certain types of services, such as CCTV image monitoring, a UE may need to transmit a large amount of data to the core network in the uplink direction. So, the UE may need SUL CC(s) to support such service which requires a large amount of uplink bandwidth. In one implementation, the NAS layer may instruct the UE (through NAS signaling) to assign a cell supporting SUL CC a higher priority than a cell not supporting SUL CC, when a network slice (e.g., CCTV image monitoring) with UL-dominant traffic is indicated in the NAS signaling. In this observation, the configuration information may include SUL load such as the amount of uplink bandwidth.) the slot position, (Tseng, in Fig. 3 and Paragraph [0098]-[0103], teaches that the as shown in Fig. 3, a base station (e.g., a gNB) may indicate whether a SUL CC is configured in at least one of its cells, for example, by broadcasting the SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 (System Information Block 1). Thus, a cell may provide SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 if a SUL CC is deployed in the cell. When a UE receives the SIB l(s) of one or more cells from the base station, the UE may observe whether SUL CC(s) is supported or not by the one or more cells of the base station. Alternatively, a Supplementary Uplink Indicator, which indicates whether the cell itself supports SUL or not, may be included in minimum system information (be provided in the Remaining minimum System Information or Physical Broadcast Channel, or Physical Shared Channel), which is broadcasted by the neighboring cells themselves. As shown, here, the UE may receive SUL CC configuration information from the base station through SIB or Supplementary Uplink Indicator and according to this information, the slot configuration supporting by SUL CC may be configured for initial access. If there are multiple SUL CC, the UE may need further the prioritization based on DL signaling quality. Based on this observation, it is clear that the slot positions supporting by SUL CC may be selected by the UE using the information from SIB 1 or Supplementary Uplink Indicator with/without the Prioritization with DL signaling quality.)
Tseng does not explicitly teach that the band.
Agiwal further teaches that the band (Agiwal, in Fig. 2 and in Paragraph [0041], teaches that in Fig. 2, the UE camps on a suitable cell (200). The cell (on which the UE camps) supports a downlink (DL) carrier, an uplink (UL) carrier and a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier. Note that the presence of the SUL carrier in the cell is indicated by presence of supplementaryUplink IE in SIB1. The supplementaryUplink IE provides information (such as associated frequency band(s), additionalPmax and additionalSpectrumEmission values, bandwidth, BWP configuration, etc.) related to the SUL. Therefore, the first or second configuration information may include a slot position of an available SUL random access channel RACH resource such as BWP configuration, and a band in which the SUL is located, such additionalSpectrumEmission values and bandwidth.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Tseng and Agiwal to include the technique of the band of Agiwal in the system of Tseng to provide a method and an apparatus of uplink (UL) access in a cell supporting supplementary uplink (SUL) to fully support the cell (re)selection to camp on a cell in a radio resource control (RRC) IDLE and a RRC INACTIVE state in 5G wireless communication, resulting in enhancing the uplink coverage of the cell. (Anil, see Paragraphs [0002], [0007], and [0024]);
Although combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches all of claim 30, the Examiner notes that this claim contains contingent limitations. For method claims with contingent limitations, the broadest reasonable interpretation includes methods where the condition is met and where the condition isn't met. The limitations starting with “when the at least one first …,” and “when M is greater than 1, …” are contingent limitations. The claim has been interpreted to not require the conditions stated to be met. See MPEP 2111.04 subsection 11.).
Regarding claim 31, combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches the features defined in the claim 29, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Tseng further teaches that wherein when the at least one first piece comprises the SUL priority, determining the M second SULs comprises determining, based on the SUL priority for each of the plurality of SULs, the M second SULs, (Tseng, in Paragraphs [0137], teaches that a UE may directly select a SUL CC as the uplink CC for initial access after the SUL prioritization is triggered. In Tables 2 and 5, Yung-lan teaches that the criteria for the prioritization for the selection of SUL CC is described based on the parameter information. In Paragraphs [0107] to [0129] and [0155]-[0164] and in Tables 3-7 and 8-11, Yung-lan teaches that based on Tables 2 and 5, the various prioritization for SUL CC is performed like Tables 3, 4(a), 4(b), 6, and 7 and according to each prioritization, the SUL CC for initial access may be selected like Tables 8-11. Therefore it is clear that based on parameter information, UE may select various criteria to perform the prioritization of SUL CCs and according to the performed prioritization, the SUL CCs may be selected for initial access.) and wherein when M is greater than 1, the at least one second piece comprises at least one of the channel quality threshold, (Tseng, In Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0050], teaches that in FIG. 1, each cell which supports both an UL CC (e.g., a primary UL CC) and a SUL CC may configure a downlink (DL)-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, and each cell may broadcast the DL-RSRP threshold to the UE, for example, through system info oration. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle state (or RRC inactive state) may select a SUL CC for initial access or for camping, if the UE detects that the DL-RSRP value from the serving cell of the UE is below the DL-RSRP-threshold, which is broadcasted by the serving cell. Therefore, it is clear that the SUL may be selected based on the channel quality (DL RSRP) threshold.) the quantity, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0164] and in Tables 11-1 and 11-2, teaches that An RA (Random Access) resource configuration may include (1) N.A., (2) RA Restricted sets only, (3) RA Unrestricted sets only, or (4) one RA Restricted set and one RA Unrestricted set, to one UL CC. Thus, a UE may need to jointly consider Table 11-1 and Table 11-2 for UL/SUL CC selection. It is noted that a RA Restricted set may be Type A or Type B RA Restricted set. In this observation, it is clear that the SUL may be selected by using a quantity of available SUL resources (restricted or unrestricted RA resources (SUL resources)) the SUL load, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0093], teaches that for certain types of services, such as CCTV image monitoring, a UE may need to transmit a large amount of data to the core network in the uplink direction. So, the UE may need SUL CC(s) to support such service which requires a large amount of uplink bandwidth. In one implementation, the NAS layer may instruct the UE (through NAS signaling) to assign a cell supporting SUL CC a higher priority than a cell not supporting SUL CC, when a network slice (e.g., CCTV image monitoring) with UL-dominant traffic is indicated in the NAS signaling. In this observation, the configuration information may include SUL load such as the amount of uplink bandwidth.) the slot position, (Tseng, in Fig. 3 and Paragraph [0098]-[0103], teaches that the as shown in Fig. 3, a base station (e.g., a gNB) may indicate whether a SUL CC is configured in at least one of its cells, for example, by broadcasting the SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 (System Information Block 1). Thus, a cell may provide SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 if a SUL CC is deployed in the cell. When a UE receives the SIB l(s) of one or more cells from the base station, the UE may observe whether SUL CC(s) is supported or not by the one or more cells of the base station. Alternatively, a Supplementary Uplink Indicator, which indicates whether the cell itself supports SUL or not, may be included in minimum system information (be provided in the Remaining minimum System Information or Physical Broadcast Channel, or Physical Shared Channel), which is broadcasted by the neighboring cells themselves. As shown, here, the UE may receive SUL CC configuration information from the base station through SIB or Supplementary Uplink Indicator and according to this information, the slot configuration supporting by SUL CC may be configured for initial access. If there are multiple SUL CC, the UE may need further the prioritization based on DL signaling quality. Based on this observation, it is clear that the slot positions supporting by SUL CC may be selected by the UE using the information from SIB 1 or Supplementary Uplink Indicator with/without the Prioritization with DL signaling quality.)
Tseng does not explicitly teach that the band.
Agiwal further teaches that the band (Agiwal, in Fig. 2 and in Paragraph [0041], teaches that in Fig. 2, the UE camps on a suitable cell (200). The cell (on which the UE camps) supports a downlink (DL) carrier, an uplink (UL) carrier and a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier. Note that the presence of the SUL carrier in the cell is indicated by presence of supplementaryUplink IE in SIB1. The supplementaryUplink IE provides information (such as associated frequency band(s), additionalPmax and additionalSpectrumEmission values, bandwidth, BWP configuration, etc.) related to the SUL. Therefore, the first or second configuration information may include a slot position of an available SUL random access channel RACH resource such as BWP configuration, and a band in which the SUL is located, such additionalSpectrumEmission values and bandwidth.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Tseng and Agiwal to include the technique of the band of Agiwal in the system of Tseng to provide a method and an apparatus of uplink (UL) access in a cell supporting supplementary uplink (SUL) to fully support the cell (re)selection to camp on a cell in a radio resource control (RRC) IDLE and a RRC INACTIVE state in 5G wireless communication, resulting in enhancing the uplink coverage of the cell. (Agiwal, see Paragraphs [0002], [0007], and [0024]);
Although combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches all of claim 31, the Examiner notes that this claim contains contingent limitations. For method claims with contingent limitations, the broadest reasonable interpretation includes methods where the condition is met and where the condition isn't met. The limitations starting with “when the at least one first …,” and “when M is greater than 1, …” are contingent limitations. The claim has been interpreted to not require the conditions stated to be met. See MPEP 2111.04 subsection 11.).
Regarding claim 32, combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches the features defined in the claim 29, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Tseng further teaches that wherein when the at least one first piece comprises the SUL load, determining the M second SULs comprises determining, based on the SUL load for each of the plurality of SULs, the M second SULs, (Tseng, in Paragraphs [0093] and [0094], teaches that for certain types of services, such as CCTV image monitoring, a UE may need to transmit a large amount of data to the core network in the uplink direction. So, the UE may need SUL CC(s) to support such service which requires a large amount of uplink bandwidth. In one implementation, the NAS layer may instruct the UE (through NAS (Non-Access Stratum) signaling) to assign a cell supporting SUL CC a higher priority than a cell not supporting SUL CC, when a network slice (e.g., CCTV image monitoring) with UL-dominant traffic is indicated in the NAS signaling. In such implementations, the AS (Access Stratum) layer may instruct the UE to select the serving cell based on DL signaling strength (e.g., based on S-criteria/R-criteria of LTE protocols as described in Table 2 and 5). In addition, the UE may not assign a cell supporting SUL a higher priority than a cell not supporting SUL. The prioritization and the selection for SUL CCs can be performed by using the Table 3-4 or 6-8 and jointly using Table 11. Therefore, it is clear that based on the type of the data, the load on the bandwidth may be decided and with this application, SUL CC may be prioritize and selected by using the combination of load and other criteria.) and wherein when M is greater than 1, the at least one second piece comprises at least one of the channel quality threshold, (Tseng, In Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0050], teaches that in FIG. 1, each cell which supports both an UL CC (e.g., a primary UL CC) and a SUL CC may configure a downlink (DL)-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, and each cell may broadcast the DL-RSRP threshold to the UE, for example, through system info oration. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle state (or RRC inactive state) may select a SUL CC for initial access or for camping, if the UE detects that the DL-RSRP value from the serving cell of the UE is below the DL-RSRP-threshold, which is broadcasted by the serving cell. Therefore, it is clear that the SUL may be selected based on the channel quality (DL RSRP) threshold.) the SUL priority, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0137], teaches that for cell (re)selection, a SUL CC may be selected as the uplink CC for initial access after the SUL prioritization is triggered. Therefore, the UE may select the SUL CC directly by referring to RRC Connection/Resume Cause, NAS signaling, or UE mobility state. Therefore, it is clear that UE may select UL SUL based on the SUL priority information.) the quantity, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0164] and in Tables 11-1 and 11-2, teaches that An RA (Random Access) resource configuration may include (1) N.A., (2) RA Restricted sets only, (3) RA Unrestricted sets only, or (4) one RA Restricted set and one RA Unrestricted set, to one UL CC. Thus, a UE may need to jointly consider Table 11-1 and Table 11-2 for UL/SUL CC selection. It is noted that a RA Restricted set may be Type A or Type B RA Restricted set. In this observation, it is clear that the SUL may be selected by using a quantity of available SUL resources (restricted or unrestricted RA resources (SUL resources)) the slot position, (Tseng, in Fig. 3 and Paragraph [0098]-[0103], teaches that the as shown in Fig. 3, a base station (e.g., a gNB) may indicate whether a SUL CC is configured in at least one of its cells, for example, by broadcasting the SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 (System Information Block 1). Thus, a cell may provide SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 if a SUL CC is deployed in the cell. When a UE receives the SIB l(s) of one or more cells from the base station, the UE may observe whether SUL CC(s) is supported or not by the one or more cells of the base station. Alternatively, a Supplementary Uplink Indicator, which indicates whether the cell itself supports SUL or not, may be included in minimum system information (be provided in the Remaining minimum System Information or Physical Broadcast Channel, or Physical Shared Channel), which is broadcasted by the neighboring cells themselves. As shown, here, the UE may receive SUL CC configuration information from the base station through SIB or Supplementary Uplink Indicator and according to this information, the slot configuration supporting by SUL CC may be configured for initial access. If there are multiple SUL CC, the UE may need further the prioritization based on DL signaling quality. Based on this observation, it is clear that the slot positions supporting by SUL CC may be selected by the UE using the information from SIB 1 or Supplementary Uplink Indicator with/without the Prioritization with DL signaling quality.)
Tseng does not explicitly teach that the band.
Agiwal further teaches that the band (Agiwal, in Fig. 2 and in Paragraph [0041], teaches that in Fig. 2, the UE camps on a suitable cell (200). The cell (on which the UE camps) supports a downlink (DL) carrier, an uplink (UL) carrier and a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier. Note that the presence of the SUL carrier in the cell is indicated by presence of supplementaryUplink IE in SIB1. The supplementaryUplink IE provides information (such as associated frequency band(s), additionalPmax and additionalSpectrumEmission values, bandwidth, BWP configuration, etc.) related to the SUL. Therefore, the first or second configuration information may include a slot position of an available SUL random access channel RACH resource such as BWP configuration, and a band in which the SUL is located, such additionalSpectrumEmission values and bandwidth.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Tseng and Agiwal to include the technique of the band in which the SUL is located of Agiwal in the system of Tseng to provide a method and an apparatus of uplink (UL) access in a cell supporting supplementary uplink (SUL) to fully support the cell (re)selection to camp on a cell in a radio resource control (RRC) IDLE and a RRC INACTIVE state in 5G wireless communication, resulting in enhancing the uplink coverage of the cell. (Agiwal, see Paragraphs [0002], [0007], and [0024]);
Although combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches all of claim 32, the Examiner notes that this claim contains contingent limitations. For method claims with contingent limitations, the broadest reasonable interpretation includes methods where the condition is met and where the condition isn't met. The limitations starting with “when the at least one first piece …” and “when M is greater than 1, …,” are contingent limitations. The claim has been interpreted to not require the conditions stated to be met. See MPEP 2111.04 subsection 11.).
Regarding claim 33, combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches the features defined in the claim 29, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Tseng further teaches that wherein when the at least one first piece comprises the quantity or a ratio indicating the quantity, determining the M second SULs comprises determining, based on the quantity, the M second SULs, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0164] and in Tables 11-1 and 11-2, teaches that An RA (Random Access) resource configuration may include (1) N.A., (2) RA Restricted sets only, (3) RA Unrestricted sets only, or (4) one RA Restricted set and one RA Unrestricted set, to one UL CC. Thus, a UE may need to jointly consider Table 11-1 and Table 11-2 for UL/SUL CC selection. For multiple SUL CCs, before the selection, the prioritization can be performed by using the Table 3-4 or 6-8. Therefore, it is clear that based on the quantity of available resources, the criteria for the prioritization may be selected and the prioritization may be performed based on the selected criteria for multiple SUL CC. Based on the prioritization, the appropriate SUL CC may be selected for the initial access.) and wherein when M is greater than 1, the at least one second piece comprises at least one of the channel quality threshold, (Tseng, In Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0050], teaches that in FIG. 1, each cell which supports both an UL CC (e.g., a primary UL CC) and a SUL CC may configure a downlink (DL)-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, and each cell may broadcast the DL-RSRP threshold to the UE, for example, through system info oration. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle state (or RRC inactive state) may select a SUL CC for initial access or for camping, if the UE detects that the DL-RSRP value from the serving cell of the UE is below the DL-RSRP-threshold, which is broadcasted by the serving cell. Therefore, it is clear that the SUL may be selected based on the channel quality (DL RSRP) threshold.) the SUL priority, (Yung-lan, in Paragraph [0137], teaches that for cell (re)selection, a SUL CC may be selected as the uplink CC for initial access after the SUL prioritization is triggered. Therefore, the UE may select the SUL CC directly by referring to RRC Connection/Resume Cause, NAS signaling, or UE mobility state. Therefore, it is clear that UE may select UL SUL based on the SUL priority information.) the SUL load, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0093], teaches that for certain types of services, such as CCTV image monitoring, a UE may need to transmit a large amount of data to the core network in the uplink direction. So, the UE may need SUL CC(s) to support such service which requires a large amount of uplink bandwidth. In one implementation, the NAS layer may instruct the UE (through NAS signaling) to assign a cell supporting SUL CC a higher priority than a cell not supporting SUL CC, when a network slice (e.g., CCTV image monitoring) with UL-dominant traffic is indicated in the NAS signaling. In this observation, the configuration information may include SUL load such as the amount of uplink bandwidth.) the slot position, (Tseng, in Fig. 3 and Paragraph [0098]-[0103], teaches that the as shown in Fig. 3, a base station (e.g., a gNB) may indicate whether a SUL CC is configured in at least one of its cells, for example, by broadcasting the SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 (System Information Block 1). Thus, a cell may provide SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 if a SUL CC is deployed in the cell. When a UE receives the SIB l(s) of one or more cells from the base station, the UE may observe whether SUL CC(s) is supported or not by the one or more cells of the base station. Alternatively, a Supplementary Uplink Indicator, which indicates whether the cell itself supports SUL or not, may be included in minimum system information (be provided in the Remaining minimum System Information or Physical Broadcast Channel, or Physical Shared Channel), which is broadcasted by the neighboring cells themselves. As shown, here, the UE may receive SUL CC configuration information from the base station through SIB or Supplementary Uplink Indicator and according to this information, the slot configuration supporting by SUL CC may be configured for initial access. If there are multiple SUL CC, the UE may need further the prioritization based on DL signaling quality. Based on this observation, it is clear that the slot positions supporting by SUL CC may be selected by the UE using the information from SIB 1 or Supplementary Uplink Indicator with/without the Prioritization with DL signaling quality.)
Tseng does not explicitly teach that the band.
Agiwal further teaches that the band (Agiwal, in Fig. 2 and in Paragraph [0041], teaches that in Fig. 2, the UE camps on a suitable cell (200). The cell (on which the UE camps) supports a downlink (DL) carrier, an uplink (UL) carrier and a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier. Note that the presence of the SUL carrier in the cell is indicated by presence of supplementaryUplink IE in SIB1. The supplementaryUplink IE provides information (such as associated frequency band(s), additionalPmax and additionalSpectrumEmission values, bandwidth, BWP configuration, etc.) related to the SUL. Therefore, the first or second configuration information may include a slot position of an available SUL random access channel RACH resource such as BWP configuration, and a band in which the SUL is located, such additionalSpectrumEmission values and bandwidth.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Tseng and Agiwal to include the technique of the band of Agiwal in the system of Tseng to provide a method and an apparatus of uplink (UL) access in a cell supporting supplementary uplink (SUL) to fully support the cell (re)selection to camp on a cell in a radio resource control (RRC) IDLE and a RRC INACTIVE state in 5G wireless communication, resulting in enhancing the uplink coverage of the cell. (Agiwal, see Paragraphs [0002], [0007], and [0024]);
Although combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches all of claim 33, the Examiner notes that this claim contains contingent limitations. For method claims with contingent limitations, the broadest reasonable interpretation includes methods where the condition is met and where the condition isn't met. The limitations starting with “wherein when the at least one first piece comprises …,” and “when M is greater than 1, …” are contingent limitations. The claim has been interpreted to not require the conditions stated to be met. See MPEP 2111.04 subsection 11.).
Regarding claim 34, combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches the features defined in the claim 33, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Tseng further teaches that wherein the available SUL resources are available uplink slot resources or available RACH resources (Tseng, in Paragraph [0048], teaches that in the next generation (e.g., 5G NR) wireless networks, there is a need for a gNB to configure different PRACH configuration(s) for UL CCs and SUL CCs separately. Based on the NR protocols, each cell may indicate the types of PRACH preamble sets by providing an Information Element 'restrictedSetConfig', which indicates the PRACH preamble set is 'Unrestricted set', 'Restricted set (Type A)' or 'Restricted set (Type B)', in the RACH-Config of system information. Thus, different uplink (UL/SUL) component carrier selection rules need to be provided by different RA resource configurations in UL and/or SUL CCs. Therefore, it is clear that the available resources are available uplink slot resources or available RACH resources.).
Regarding claim 35, combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches the features defined in the claim 29, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Tseng further teaches that wherein when the at least one first piece comprises the slot position, determining the M second SULs comprises: determining a first time unit that has a random access requirement; and selecting, based on the slot position for each of the plurality of SULs, the M second SULs, wherein the M second SULs correspond to earliest first slot positions after the first time unit, wherein the earliest first slot positions comprise available RACH resources, (Tseng, in Fig. 3 and Paragraph [0098]-[0103], teaches that the as shown in Fig. 3, a base station (e.g., a gNB) may indicate whether a SUL CC is configured in at least one of its cells, for example, by broadcasting the SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 (System Information Block 1). Thus, a cell may provide SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 if a SUL CC is deployed in the cell. When a UE receives the SIB l(s) of one or more cells from the base station, the UE may observe whether SUL CC(s) is supported or not by the one or more cells of the base station. Alternatively, a Supplementary Uplink Indicator, which indicates whether the cell itself supports SUL or not, may be included in minimum system information (be provided in the Remaining minimum System Information or Physical Broadcast Channel, or Physical Shared Channel), which is broadcasted by the neighboring cells themselves. As shown, here, the UE may receive SUL CC configuration information from the base station through SIB or Supplementary Uplink Indicator and according to this information, the slot configuration supporting by SUL CC may be configured for initial access. If there are multiple SUL CC, the UE may need further the prioritization based on DL signaling quality. Based on this observation, it is clear that the slot positions supporting by SUL CC may be selected by the UE using the information from SIB 1 or Supplementary Uplink Indicator with/without the Prioritization with DL signaling quality.) and wherein when M is greater than 1, the at least one second piece comprises the channel quality threshold, (Tseng, In Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0050], teaches that in FIG. 1, each cell which supports both an UL CC (e.g., a primary UL CC) and a SUL CC may configure a downlink (DL)-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, and each cell may broadcast the DL-RSRP threshold to the UE, for example, through system info oration. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle state (or RRC inactive state) may select a SUL CC for initial access or for camping, if the UE detects that the DL-RSRP value from the serving cell of the UE is below the DL-RSRP-threshold, which is broadcasted by the serving cell. Therefore, it is clear that the SUL may be selected based on the channel quality (DL RSRP) threshold.) the SUL priority, (Yung-lan, in Paragraph [0137], teaches that for cell (re)selection, a SUL CC may be selected as the uplink CC for initial access after the SUL prioritization is triggered. Therefore, the UE may select the SUL CC directly by referring to RRC Connection/Resume Cause, NAS signaling, or UE mobility state. Therefore, it is clear that UE may select UL SUL based on the SUL priority information.) the quantity, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0164] and in Tables 11-1 and 11-2, teaches that An RA (Random Access) resource configuration may include (1) N.A., (2) RA Restricted sets only, (3) RA Unrestricted sets only, or (4) one RA Restricted set and one RA Unrestricted set, to one UL CC. Thus, a UE may need to jointly consider Table 11-1 and Table 11-2 for UL/SUL CC selection. It is noted that a RA Restricted set may be Type A or Type B RA Restricted set. In this observation, it is clear that the SUL may be selected by using a quantity of available SUL resources (restricted or unrestricted RA resources (SUL resources)) the SUL load, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0093], teaches that for certain types of services, such as CCTV image monitoring, a UE may need to transmit a large amount of data to the core network in the uplink direction. So, the UE may need SUL CC(s) to support such service which requires a large amount of uplink bandwidth. In one implementation, the NAS layer may instruct the UE (through NAS signaling) to assign a cell supporting SUL CC a higher priority than a cell not supporting SUL CC, when a network slice (e.g., CCTV image monitoring) with UL-dominant traffic is indicated in the NAS signaling. In this observation, the configuration information may include SUL load such as the amount of uplink bandwidth.).
However, Tseng does not explicitly teach that the band.
Agiwal further teaches that the band (Agiwal, in Fig. 2 and in Paragraph [0041], teaches that in Fig. 2, the UE camps on a suitable cell (200). The cell (on which the UE camps) supports a downlink (DL) carrier, an uplink (UL) carrier and a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier. Note that the presence of the SUL carrier in the cell is indicated by presence of supplementaryUplink IE in SIB1. The supplementaryUplink IE provides information (such as associated frequency band(s), additionalPmax and additionalSpectrumEmission values, bandwidth, BWP configuration, etc.) related to the SUL. Therefore, the configuration information may include a slot position of an available SUL random access channel RACH resource such as BWP configuration, and a band in which the SUL is located, such additionalSpectrumEmission values and bandwidth.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Tseng and Agiwal to include the technique of the band of Agiwal in the system of Tseng to provide a method and an apparatus of uplink (UL) access in a cell supporting supplementary uplink (SUL) to fully support the cell (re)selection to camp on a cell in a radio resource control (RRC) IDLE and a RRC INACTIVE state in 5G wireless communication, resulting in enhancing the uplink coverage of the cell. (Agiwal, see Paragraphs [0002], [0007], and [0024]);
Although combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches all of claim 35, the Examiner notes that this claim contains contingent limitations. For method claims with contingent limitations, the broadest reasonable interpretation includes methods where the condition is met and where the condition isn't met. The limitations starting with “when the at least one first piece comprises …,” and “when M is greater than 1, …” are contingent limitations. The claim has been interpreted to not require the conditions stated to be met. See MPEP 2111.04 subsection 11.).
Regarding claim 36, combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches the features defined in the claim 29, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Tseng further teaches that when M is greater than 1, the at least one second piece comprises the channel quality threshold, (Tseng, In Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0050], teaches that in FIG. 1, each cell which supports both an UL CC (e.g., a primary UL CC) and a SUL CC may configure a downlink (DL)-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, and each cell may broadcast the DL-RSRP threshold to the UE, for example, through system info oration. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle state (or RRC inactive state) may select a SUL CC for initial access or for camping, if the UE detects that the DL-RSRP value from the serving cell of the UE is below the DL-RSRP-threshold, which is broadcasted by the serving cell. Therefore, it is clear that the SUL may be selected based on the channel quality (DL RSRP) threshold.) the SUL priority, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0137], teaches that for cell (re)selection, a SUL CC may be selected as the uplink CC for initial access after the SUL prioritization is triggered. Therefore, the UE may select the SUL CC directly by referring to RRC Connection/Resume Cause, NAS signaling, or UE mobility state. Therefore, it is clear that UE may select UL SUL based on the SUL priority information.) the quantity, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0164] and in Tables 11-1 and 11-2, teaches that An RA (Random Access) resource configuration may include (1) N.A., (2) RA Restricted sets only, (3) RA Unrestricted sets only, or (4) one RA Restricted set and one RA Unrestricted set, to one UL CC. Thus, a UE may need to jointly consider Table 11-1 and Table 11-2 for UL/SUL CC selection. It is noted that a RA Restricted set may be Type A or Type B RA Restricted set. In this observation, it is clear that the SUL may be selected by using a quantity of available SUL resources (restricted or unrestricted RA resources (SUL resources)) the SUL load, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0093], teaches that for certain types of services, such as CCTV image monitoring, a UE may need to transmit a large amount of data to the core network in the uplink direction. So, the UE may need SUL CC(s) to support such service which requires a large amount of uplink bandwidth. In one implementation, the NAS layer may instruct the UE (through NAS signaling) to assign a cell supporting SUL CC a higher priority than a cell not supporting SUL CC, when a network slice (e.g., CCTV image monitoring) with UL-dominant traffic is indicated in the NAS signaling. In this observation, the configuration information may include SUL load such as the amount of uplink bandwidth.). the slot position, (Tseng, in Fig. 3 and Paragraph [0098]-[0103], teaches that the as shown in Fig. 3, a base station (e.g., a gNB) may indicate whether a SUL CC is configured in at least one of its cells, for example, by broadcasting the SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 (System Information Block 1). Thus, a cell may provide SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 if a SUL CC is deployed in the cell. When a UE receives the SIB l(s) of one or more cells from the base station, the UE may observe whether SUL CC(s) is supported or not by the one or more cells of the base station. Alternatively, a Supplementary Uplink Indicator, which indicates whether the cell itself supports SUL or not, may be included in minimum system information (be provided in the Remaining minimum System Information or Physical Broadcast Channel, or Physical Shared Channel), which is broadcasted by the neighboring cells themselves. As shown, here, the UE may receive SUL CC configuration information from the base station through SIB or Supplementary Uplink Indicator and according to this information, the slot configuration supporting by SUL CC may be configured for initial access. If there are multiple SUL CC, the UE may need further the prioritization based on DL signaling quality. Based on this observation, it is clear that the slot positions supporting by SUL CC may be selected by the UE using the information from SIB 1 or Supplementary Uplink Indicator with/without the Prioritization with DL signaling quality.).
However, Tseng does not explicitly teach that wherein when the at least one first piece comprises the band, determining the M second SULs comprises: determining, based on the band for each of the plurality of SULs, a maximum transmit power of a terminal device for each SUL; and determining, based on the maximum transmit power of the terminal device for each SUL, the M second SULs.
Agiwal teaches that wherein when the at least one first piece comprises the band, determining the M second SULs comprises: determining, based on the band for each of the plurality of SULs, a maximum transmit power of a terminal device for each SUL; and determining, based on the maximum transmit power of the terminal device for each SUL, the M second SULs, (Agiwal, in Pargraphs [0049] and [0050], teaches that If the RSRP of the downlink pathloss reference is less than the configured threshold (e.g., rsrp-ThresholdSSBSUL) and if the UE supports one or more frequency bands indicated in the frequencyBandList of SUL (240) and if the UE supports the bandwidth of the initial uplink BWP indicated in locationAndBandwidth field of the SUL (250) and if the UE supports at least one additionalSpectrumEmission in the NR-NS-PmaxList for a supported SUL band (260), then the UE selects the SUL carrier (270). The parameters frequencyBandList, NR-NS-PmaxList, BWP configuration of the SUL are received by the UE in SIB1. The threshold (i.e., rsrp-ThresholdSSB-SUL) is signaled by the gNB. It is signaled as part of the RACH configuration of the SUL. Therefore, it is clear that based received threshold, the maximum power list is made for SUL carriers and select the SUL carrier based on the list. The extension for the selection based on the maximum power can be predictable since the max power list is obtained.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Tseng and Agiwal to include the technique of wherein when the at least one first piece comprises the band, determining the M second SULs comprises: determining, based on the band for each of the plurality of SULs, a maximum transmit power of a terminal device for each SUL; and determining, based on the maximum transmit power of the terminal device for each SUL, the M second SULs of Agiwal in the system of Tseng to provide a method and an apparatus of uplink (UL) access in a cell supporting supplementary uplink (SUL) to fully support the cell (re)selection to camp on a cell in a radio resource control (RRC) IDLE and a RRC INACTIVE state in 5G wireless communication, resulting in enhancing the uplink coverage of the cell. (Anil, see Paragraphs [0002], [0007], and [0024]); Although combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches all of claim 36, the Examiner notes that this claim contains contingent limitations. For method claims with contingent limitations, the broadest reasonable interpretation includes methods where the condition is met and where the condition isn't met. The limitations starting with “when the at least one first piece …” and “when M is greater than 1, …” are contingent limitations. The claim has been interpreted to not require the conditions stated to be met. See MPEP 2111.04 subsection 11.).
Regarding claim 39, Tseng teaches that a terminal, comprising: a memory configured to store instructions; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the instructions to: (Tseng, in Paragraph [0037], teaches that any network function(s) or algorithm(s) described in the present disclosure may be implemented by hardware, software or a combination of software and hardware. Described functions may correspond to modules may be software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. The software implementation may comprise computer executable instructions stored on computer readable medium such as memory or other type of storage devices. Therefore, it is clear that a terminal comprises a memory to store instructions and a processor to execute the instructions that are coupled with each other. ) receive configuration information from a network device, wherein the configuration information comprises information about a plurality of supplementary uplinks (SULs), and wherein the information comprises a transmission quality parameter of at least one of the plurality of SULs; (Tseng, in Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0046]-[0050], teaches that uplink packet delivery (e.g., uplink packet delivery through Physical Uplink Share Channel (PUSCH) transmissions) is implemented on only one of the UL and SUL CCs, and the UL/SUL component carrier decision is controlled by the serving cell(s). In contrast, one cell may support initial access on UL CC or SUL CC by configuring separated Random Access resource (RA (Random Access) resource) for the respective UL CC or SUL CC through control signaling (e.g., through broadcasting system information or dedicated RRC control signaling). However, the UE may select only one carrier (between UL CC and SUL CC) for initial access. In a RAN (e.g., NR RAN or LTE RAN), there may be none, one, or up to two PRACH configuration(s) with corresponding RA resource & PRACH preamble sets in a cell. Moreover, in some implementations (e.g., LTE protocols), an evolved NodeB (eNB) (under LTE protocols) may indicate to an RRC idle UE to apply a Restricted set of random access (RA) resource or an Unrestricted set of RA resource by setting a HighSpeedFlag in the RA resource configuration of SIB 2 (System Information Block 2). As shown in diagram 200 of FIG. 2, a UE may apply a Restricted set (Type A) as one of the PRACH preamble set if the highSpeedFlag=true. Otherwise, the UE may apply an Unrestricted set if the highSpeedFlag=false. On the other hand, to a UE that supports mobility enhancements, the UE should apply Restricted set (type B) for random access procedure if Restricted set (type B) is configured as the PRACH preamble Set 2. In the next generation (e.g., 5G NR) wireless networks, there is a need for a gNB to configure different PRACH configuration(s) for UL CCs and SUL CCs separately. Based on the NR protocols, each cell may indicate the types of PRACH preamble sets by providing an Information Element 'restrictedSetConfig', which indicates the PRACH preamble set is 'Unrestricted set', 'Restricted set (Type A)' or 'Restricted set (Type B)', in the RACH-Config of system information. Thus, different uplink (UL/SUL) component carrier selection rules need to be provided by different RA resource configurations in UL and/or SUL CCs. In FIG. 1, each cell which supports both an UL CC (e.g., a primary UL CC) and a SUL CC may configure a downlink (DL)-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold (considered as transmission quality parameter), and each cell may broadcast the DL-RSRP threshold to the UE, for example, through system info oration. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle state (or RRC inactive state) may select a SUL CC for initial access or for camping, if the UE detects that the DL-RSRP value from the serving cell of the UE is below the DL-RSRP-threshold, which is broadcasted by the serving cell. It is clear that the configuration information is received from a network device that comprises information about a plurality of supplementary uplinks (SULs) and comprises a transmission quality parameter of at least one of the plurality of SULs.)
However, Tseng does not explicitly teach that select, based on the configuration information, a first SUL for random access from the plurality of SULs; and initiate random access on the first SUL.
Agiwal teaches that select, based on the configuration information, a first SUL for random access from the plurality of SULs; and initiate random access on the first SUL (Agiwal, in Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0033], teaches that as shown in FIG. 1, in coverage region 2 (140), UL (Uplink) coverage can be provided by only the SUL carrier. Signals transmitted on the SUL carrier by a UE (120) in the coverage region 2 (140) can be received by the gNB (100). The UE (110, 120) decides to use the SUL or the NUL based on the DL signaling quality. If the DL determine reference signal received power (RSRP) >= RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) threshold the UE (110) uses the UL carrier for UL transmissions. If DL (Downlink) RSRP < RSRP threshold the UE (120) uses the SUL carrier for UL transmissions. Typically, in the RRC IDLE/INACTIVE state, if a cell supports both SUL and UL carrier, the UE (110, 120) selects between the SUL and the UL carrier when random access procedure is initiated. In addition, if there are multiple SULs, the prioritization as described in the above may be needed. Therefore, it is clear that the SUL may be selected for random access based on the configuration information such as the DL RSRP threshold and initiating random access on the first SUL with/without SUL prioritization.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Tseng and Agiwal to include the technique of select, based on the configuration information, a first SUL for random access from the plurality of SULs; and initiate random access on the first SUL of Agiwal in the system of Tseng to provide a method and an apparatus of uplink (UL) access in a cell supporting supplementary uplink (SUL) to fully support the cell (re)selection to camp on a cell in a radio resource control (RRC) IDLE and a RRC INACTIVE state in 5G wireless communication, resulting in enhancing the uplink coverage of the cell. (Agiwal, see Paragraphs [0002], [0007], and [0024]).).
Regarding claim 40, combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches the features defined in the claim 39, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Tseng further teaches that wherein the configuration information further comprises at least one piece of parameter information for each of the plurality of SULs, (Tseng, in Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0046]-[0050], teaches that uplink packet delivery (e.g., uplink packet delivery through Physical Uplink Share Channel (PUSCH) transmissions) is implemented on only one of the UL and SUL CCs, and the UL/SUL component carrier decision is controlled by the serving cell(s). In contrast, one cell may support initial access on UL CC or SUL CC by configuring separated Random Access resource (RA (Random Access) resource) for the respective UL CC or SUL CC through control signaling (e.g., through broadcasting system information or dedicated RRC control signaling). However, the UE may select only one carrier (between UL CC and SUL CC) for initial access. In a RAN (e.g., NR RAN or LTE RAN), there may be none, one, or up to two PRACH configuration(s) with corresponding RA resource & PRACH preamble sets in a cell. Therefore, it is clear that the configuration information comprises a parameter information for each of the plurality of SULs.) and wherein the at least one piece comprises a channel quality threshold, (Tseng, In Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0050], teaches that in FIG. 1, each cell which supports both an UL CC (e.g., a primary UL CC) and a SUL CC may configure a downlink (DL)-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, and each cell may broadcast the DL-RSRP threshold to the UE, for example, through system info oration. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle state (or RRC inactive state) may select a SUL CC for initial access or for camping, if the UE detects that the DL-RSRP value from the serving cell of the UE is below the DL-RSRP-threshold, which is broadcasted by the serving cell. Therefore, it is clear that the SUL may be selected based on the channel quality (DL RSRP) threshold.) an SUL priority, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0137], teaches that for cell (re)selection, a SUL CC may be selected as the uplink CC for initial access after the SUL prioritization is triggered. Therefore, the UE may select the SUL CC directly by referring to RRC Connection/Resume Cause, NAS signaling, or UE mobility state. Therefore, it is clear that UE may select UL SUL based on the SUL priority information.) a quantity of available SUL resources, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0164] and in Tables 11-1 and 11-2, teaches that An RA (Random Access) resource configuration may include (1) N.A., (2) RA Restricted sets only, (3) RA Unrestricted sets only, or (4) one RA Restricted set and one RA Unrestricted set, to one UL CC. Thus, a UE may need to jointly consider Table 11-1 and Table 11-2 for UL/SUL CC selection. It is noted that a RA Restricted set may be Type A or Type B RA Restricted set. In this observation, it is clear that the SUL may be selected by using a quantity of available SUL resources (restricted or unrestricted RA resources (SUL resources)) an SUL load, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0093], teaches that for certain types of services, such as CCTV image monitoring, a UE may need to transmit a large amount of data to the core network in the uplink direction. So, the UE may need SUL CC(s) to support such service which requires a large amount of uplink bandwidth. In one implementation, the NAS layer may instruct the UE (through NAS signaling) to assign a cell supporting SUL CC a higher priority than a cell not supporting SUL CC, when a network slice (e.g., CCTV image monitoring) with UL-dominant traffic is indicated in the NAS signaling. In this observation, the configuration information may include SUL load such as the amount of uplink bandwidth.) a slot position of an available SUL random access channel RACH resource, (Tseng, in Fig. 3 and Paragraph [0098]-[0103], teaches that the as shown in Fig. 3, a base station (e.g., a gNB) may indicate whether a SUL CC is configured in at least one of its cells, for example, by broadcasting the SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 (System Information Block 1). Thus, a cell may provide SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 if a SUL CC is deployed in the cell. When a UE receives the SIB l(s) of one or more cells from the base station, the UE may observe whether SUL CC(s) is supported or not by the one or more cells of the base station. Alternatively, a Supplementary Uplink Indicator, which indicates whether the cell itself supports SUL or not, may be included in minimum system information (be provided in the Remaining minimum System Information or Physical Broadcast Channel, or Physical Shared Channel), which is broadcasted by the neighboring cells themselves. As shown, here, the UE may receive SUL CC configuration information from the base station through SIB or Supplementary Uplink Indicator and according to this information, the slot configuration supporting by SUL CC may be configured for initial access. If there are multiple SUL CC, the UE may need further the prioritization based on DL signaling quality. Based on this observation, it is clear that the slot positions supporting by SUL CC may be selected by the UE using the information from SIB 1 or Supplementary Uplink Indicator with/without the Prioritization with DL signaling quality.)
However, Tseng does not explicitly teach that a band in which the SUL is located.
Agiwal further teaches that a band in which the SUL is located (Agiwal, in Fig. 2 and in Paragraph [0041], teaches that in Fig. 2, the UE camps on a suitable cell (200). The cell (on which the UE camps) supports a downlink (DL) carrier, an uplink (UL) carrier and a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier. Note that the presence of the SUL carrier in the cell is indicated by presence of supplementaryUplink IE in SIB1. The supplementaryUplink IE provides information (such as associated frequency band(s), additionalPmax and additionalSpectrumEmission values, bandwidth, BWP configuration, etc.) related to the SUL. Therefore, the configuration information may include a slot position of an available SUL random access channel RACH resource such as BWP configuration, and a band in which the SUL is located, such additionalSpectrumEmission values and bandwidth.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Tseng and Agiwal to include the technique of a band in which the SUL is located of Agiwal in the system of Tseng to provide a method and an apparatus of uplink (UL) access in a cell supporting supplementary uplink (SUL) to fully support the cell (re)selection to camp on a cell in a radio resource control (RRC) IDLE and a RRC INACTIVE state in 5G wireless communication, resulting in enhancing the uplink coverage of the cell. (Agiwal, see Paragraphs [0002], [0007], and [0024]).).
Regarding claim 41, combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches the features defined in the claim 39, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Tseng further teaches that wherein the configuration information further comprises first parameter information or second parameter information, (Tseng, in Paragraphs [0021] and [0022], teaches that for the UL/SUL component carrier decision procedure, the UE decides to apply a UL CC or a SUL CC based on random access resource configurations on the uplink component carriers. the UE receives configurations and parameters of a cell for SUL prioritization and the UL/SUL component carrier decision procedure through downlink control signaling, wherein the configurations and parameters differ with the mobility state of the UE. Therefore, it is clear that selecting a SUL for random access among the plurality of SULs may be done by SUL prioritization and UL/SUL component carrier decision procedure based on the configuration and parameters wherein the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to: determine, based on first parameter information, M second SULs, wherein the first parameter information comprises at least one first piece of parameter information for each of the plurality of SULs, and wherein M is an integer greater than or equal to 1; determine that the second SUL is the first SUL when M is equal to 1; and determine, based on second parameter information, the first SUL from the M second SULs when M is greater than 1,wherein the second parameter information comprises at least one second piece of parameter information for each of the plurality of SULs, and the first parameter information and the second parameter information are different. (Tseng, in Table 2 – 7 and in Paragraphs [0095] – [0135], teaches that Paragraphs [0095] – [0135] describe SUL prioritization method with various criteria and how to apply the multiple criteria to prioritization. Table 2 shows the various criteria to SUL prioritization and as an example, in table 3, based on the UE mobility, UE may decide to perform SUL prioritization with multiple criteria such as Qrxlevminoffset related to RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) and Pcompensation related to Tx (Transmit) Power that are defined in Table 2. Further, in Paragraph [0135] – [0164] and in Table 8-11, Tseng describes how to select UL/SUL CC (Component Carrier) by using SUL prioritization. Specifically, in Case 3-3 A and B, for the random access procedure in RRC (Radio Resource Control) inactive state, it describes how to apply the SUL prioritization to select UL/SUL carriers. Based on this observation, if the number of available SUL (M) is one, according to the threshold, the SUL CC can be selected for the uplink CC for initial access. Also, if there are multiple available SUL (M>1), based on the SUL prioritization using multiple criteria, UE may select the UL/SUL CC as the uplink CC for initial access. Further, the first and second parameters are different, since SUL prioritization is performed based on multiple criteria.) wherein the at least one first piece comprises at least one of a channel quality threshold, (Tseng, In Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0050], teaches that in FIG. 1, each cell which supports both an UL CC (e.g., a primary UL CC) and a SUL CC may configure a downlink (DL)-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, and each cell may broadcast the DL-RSRP threshold to the UE, for example, through system info oration. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle state (or RRC inactive state) may select a SUL CC for initial access or for camping, if the UE detects that the DL-RSRP value from the serving cell of the UE is below the DL-RSRP-threshold, which is broadcasted by the serving cell. Therefore, it is clear that the SUL may be selected based on the channel quality (DL RSRP) threshold.) the SUL priority, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0137], teaches that for cell (re)selection, a SUL CC may be selected as the uplink CC for initial access after the SUL prioritization is triggered. Therefore, the UE may select the SUL CC directly by referring to RRC Connection/Resume Cause, NAS signaling, or UE mobility state. Therefore, it is clear that UE may select UL SUL based on the SUL priority information.) the quantity of available SUL resources, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0164] and in Tables 11-1 and 11-2, teaches that An RA (Random Access) resource configuration may include (1) N.A., (2) RA Restricted sets only, (3) RA Unrestricted sets only, or (4) one RA Restricted set and one RA Unrestricted set, to one UL CC. Thus, a UE may need to jointly consider Table 11-1 and Table 11-2 for UL/SUL CC selection. It is noted that a RA Restricted set may be Type A or Type B RA Restricted set. In this observation, it is clear that the SUL may be selected by using a quantity of available SUL resources (restricted or unrestricted RA resources (SUL resources)) the SUL load, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0093], teaches that for certain types of services, such as CCTV image monitoring, a UE may need to transmit a large amount of data to the core network in the uplink direction. So, the UE may need SUL CC(s) to support such service which requires a large amount of uplink bandwidth. In one implementation, the NAS layer may instruct the UE (through NAS signaling) to assign a cell supporting SUL CC a higher priority than a cell not supporting SUL CC, when a network slice (e.g., CCTV image monitoring) with UL-dominant traffic is indicated in the NAS signaling. In this observation, the configuration information may include SUL load such as the amount of uplink bandwidth.) the slot position of an available SUL random access channel RACH resource, (Tseng, in Fig. 3 and Paragraph [0098]-[0103], teaches that the as shown in Fig. 3, a base station (e.g., a gNB) may indicate whether a SUL CC is configured in at least one of its cells, for example, by broadcasting the SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 (System Information Block 1). Thus, a cell may provide SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 if a SUL CC is deployed in the cell. When a UE receives the SIB l(s) of one or more cells from the base station, the UE may observe whether SUL CC(s) is supported or not by the one or more cells of the base station. Alternatively, a Supplementary Uplink Indicator, which indicates whether the cell itself supports SUL or not, may be included in minimum system information (be provided in the Remaining minimum System Information or Physical Broadcast Channel, or Physical Shared Channel), which is broadcasted by the neighboring cells themselves. As shown, here, the UE may receive SUL CC configuration information from the base station through SIB or Supplementary Uplink Indicator and according to this information, the slot configuration supporting by SUL CC may be configured for initial access. If there are multiple SUL CC, the UE may need further the prioritization based on DL signaling quality. Based on this observation, it is clear that the slot positions supporting by SUL CC may be selected by the UE using the information from SIB 1 or Supplementary Uplink Indicator with/without the Prioritization with DL signaling quality.) wherein the at least one second piece comprises at least one of the channel quality threshold, (Tseng, In Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0050], teaches that in FIG. 1, each cell which supports both an UL CC (e.g., a primary UL CC) and a SUL CC may configure a downlink (DL)-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, and each cell may broadcast the DL-RSRP threshold to the UE, for example, through system info oration. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle state (or RRC inactive state) may select a SUL CC for initial access or for camping, if the UE detects that the DL-RSRP value from the serving cell of the UE is below the DL-RSRP-threshold, which is broadcasted by the serving cell. Therefore, it is clear that the SUL may be selected based on the channel quality (DL RSRP) threshold.) an SUL priority, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0137], teaches that for cell (re)selection, a SUL CC may be selected as the uplink CC for initial access after the SUL prioritization is triggered. Therefore, the UE may select the SUL CC directly by referring to RRC Connection/Resume Cause, NAS signaling, or UE mobility state. Therefore, it is clear that UE may select UL SUL based on the SUL priority information.) the quantity, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0164] and in Tables 11-1 and 11-2, teaches that An RA (Random Access) resource configuration may include (1) N.A., (2) RA Restricted sets only, (3) RA Unrestricted sets only, or (4) one RA Restricted set and one RA Unrestricted set, to one UL CC. Thus, a UE may need to jointly consider Table 11-1 and Table 11-2 for UL/SUL CC selection. It is noted that a RA Restricted set may be Type A or Type B RA Restricted set. In this observation, it is clear that the SUL may be selected by using a quantity of available SUL resources (restricted or unrestricted RA resources (SUL resources)) the SUL load, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0093], teaches that for certain types of services, such as CCTV image monitoring, a UE may need to transmit a large amount of data to the core network in the uplink direction. So, the UE may need SUL CC(s) to support such service which requires a large amount of uplink bandwidth. In one implementation, the NAS layer may instruct the UE (through NAS signaling) to assign a cell supporting SUL CC a higher priority than a cell not supporting SUL CC, when a network slice (e.g., CCTV image monitoring) with UL-dominant traffic is indicated in the NAS signaling. In this observation, the configuration information may include SUL load such as the amount of uplink bandwidth.) the slot position, (Tseng, in Fig. 3 and Paragraph [0098]-[0103], teaches that the as shown in Fig. 3, a base station (e.g., a gNB) may indicate whether a SUL CC is configured in at least one of its cells, for example, by broadcasting the SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 (System Information Block 1). Thus, a cell may provide SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 if a SUL CC is deployed in the cell. When a UE receives the SIB l(s) of one or more cells from the base station, the UE may observe whether SUL CC(s) is supported or not by the one or more cells of the base station. Alternatively, a Supplementary Uplink Indicator, which indicates whether the cell itself supports SUL or not, may be included in minimum system information (be provided in the Remaining minimum System Information or Physical Broadcast Channel, or Physical Shared Channel), which is broadcasted by the neighboring cells themselves. As shown, here, the UE may receive SUL CC configuration information from the base station through SIB or Supplementary Uplink Indicator and according to this information, the slot configuration supporting by SUL CC may be configured for initial access. If there are multiple SUL CC, the UE may need further the prioritization based on DL signaling quality. Based on this observation, it is clear that the slot positions supporting by SUL CC may be selected by the UE using the information from SIB 1 or Supplementary Uplink Indicator with/without the Prioritization with DL signaling quality.)
However, Tseng does not explicitly teach that a band which the SUL is located, the band.
Agiwal further teaches that a band which the SUL is located, the band (Agiwal, in Fig. 2 and in Paragraph [0041], teaches that in Fig. 2, the UE camps on a suitable cell (200). The cell (on which the UE camps) supports a downlink (DL) carrier, an uplink (UL) carrier and a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier. Note that the presence of the SUL carrier in the cell is indicated by presence of supplementaryUplink IE in SIB1. The supplementaryUplink IE provides information (such as associated frequency band(s), additionalPmax and additionalSpectrumEmission values, bandwidth, BWP configuration, etc.) related to the SUL. Therefore, the configuration information may include a slot position of an available SUL random access channel RACH resource such as BWP configuration, and a band in which the SUL is located, such additionalSpectrumEmission values and bandwidth.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Tseng and Agiwal to include the technique of a band which the SUL is located, the band of Agiwal in the system of Tseng to provide a method and an apparatus of uplink (UL) access in a cell supporting supplementary uplink (SUL) to fully support the cell (re)selection to camp on a cell in a radio resource control (RRC) IDLE and a RRC INACTIVE state in 5G wireless communication, resulting in enhancing the uplink coverage of the cell. (Agiwal, see Paragraphs [0002], [0007], and [0024]).
Regarding claim 42, combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches the features defined in the claim 41, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Tseng further teaches that wherein when the at least one first piece comprises the channel quality threshold, the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to: (Tseng, in Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0050], teaches that in FIG. 1, each cell which supports both an UL CC (e.g., a primary UL CC) and a SUL CC may configure a downlink (DL)-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, and each cell may broadcast the DL-RSRP threshold to the UE, for example, through system information. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle state (or RRC inactive state) may select a SUL CC for initial access or for camping, if the UE detects that the DL-RSRP value from the serving cell of the UE is below the DL-RSRP-threshold which is broadcasted by the serving cell. Therefore, it is clear that using the threshold of the channel quality such as DL-RSRP for SUL, UE may select and apply a SUL CC for initial random access.) receive a downlink signal; determine, based on the downlink signal, an information value representing a channel quality for each of the plurality of SULs; and determine, based on the information value and the channel quality threshold for each of the plurality of SULs, the M second SULs, (Tseng, in Table 2, 3, 4(a), and 4(b)a and in Paragraphs [0107] to [0120], teaches that in table 2, the criteria based on the channel quality such as DL (Downlink) RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power ) and RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality is defined. In Table 3, 4(a), and 4(b), the combination of variation criteria based on the RSRP and/RSRQ is applied to prioritize the available SUL CC and according to the prioritization, the SUL CC may be determined for the initial access as describe in Case 3-3 A and B and in Table 11-1 and 11-2. Therefore, it is clear that UE may determine SUC CC by using the prioritization based on the channel quality information and threshold such as DL RSRP and DL RSRQ.) and wherein when M is greater than 1, the at least one second piece comprises at least one of the SUL priority, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0137], teaches that for cell (re)selection, a SUL CC may be selected as the uplink CC for initial access after the SUL prioritization is triggered. Therefore, the UE may select the SUL CC directly by referring to RRC Connection/Resume Cause, NAS signaling, or UE mobility state. Therefore, it is clear that UE may select UL SUL based on the SUL priority information.) the quantity, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0164] and in Tables 11-1 and 11-2, teaches that An RA (Random Access) resource configuration may include (1) N.A., (2) RA Restricted sets only, (3) RA Unrestricted sets only, or (4) one RA Restricted set and one RA Unrestricted set, to one UL CC. Thus, a UE may need to jointly consider Table 11-1 and Table 11-2 for UL/SUL CC selection. It is noted that a RA Restricted set may be Type A or Type B RA Restricted set. In this observation, it is clear that the SUL may be selected by using a quantity of available SUL resources (restricted or unrestricted RA resources (SUL resources)) the SUL load, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0093], teaches that for certain types of services, such as CCTV image monitoring, a UE may need to transmit a large amount of data to the core network in the uplink direction. So, the UE may need SUL CC(s) to support such service which requires a large amount of uplink bandwidth. In one implementation, the NAS layer may instruct the UE (through NAS signaling) to assign a cell supporting SUL CC a higher priority than a cell not supporting SUL CC, when a network slice (e.g., CCTV image monitoring) with UL-dominant traffic is indicated in the NAS signaling. In this observation, the configuration information may include SUL load such as the amount of uplink bandwidth.) the slot position, (Tseng, in Fig. 3 and Paragraph [0098]-[0103], teaches that the as shown in Fig. 3, a base station (e.g., a gNB) may indicate whether a SUL CC is configured in at least one of its cells, for example, by broadcasting the SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 (System Information Block 1). Thus, a cell may provide SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 if a SUL CC is deployed in the cell. When a UE receives the SIB l(s) of one or more cells from the base station, the UE may observe whether SUL CC(s) is supported or not by the one or more cells of the base station. Alternatively, a Supplementary Uplink Indicator, which indicates whether the cell itself supports SUL or not, may be included in minimum system information (be provided in the Remaining minimum System Information or Physical Broadcast Channel, or Physical Shared Channel), which is broadcasted by the neighboring cells themselves. As shown, here, the UE may receive SUL CC configuration information from the base station through SIB or Supplementary Uplink Indicator and according to this information, the slot configuration supporting by SUL CC may be configured for initial access. If there are multiple SUL CC, the UE may need further the prioritization based on DL signaling quality. Based on this observation, it is clear that the slot positions supporting by SUL CC may be selected by the UE using the information from SIB 1 or Supplementary Uplink Indicator with/without the Prioritization with DL signaling quality.)
Tseng does not explicitly teach that the band.
Agiwal further teaches that the band (Agiwal, in Fig. 2 and in Paragraph [0041], teaches that in Fig. 2, the UE camps on a suitable cell (200). The cell (on which the UE camps) supports a downlink (DL) carrier, an uplink (UL) carrier and a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier. Note that the presence of the SUL carrier in the cell is indicated by presence of supplementaryUplink IE in SIB1. The supplementaryUplink IE provides information (such as associated frequency band(s), additionalPmax and additionalSpectrumEmission values, bandwidth, BWP configuration, etc.) related to the SUL. Therefore, the first or second configuration information may include a slot position of an available SUL random access channel RACH resource such as BWP configuration, and a band in which the SUL is located, such additionalSpectrumEmission values and bandwidth.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Tseng and Agiwal to include the technique of the band of Agiwal in the system of Tseng to provide a method and an apparatus of uplink (UL) access in a cell supporting supplementary uplink (SUL) to fully support the cell (re)selection to camp on a cell in a radio resource control (RRC) IDLE and a RRC INACTIVE state in 5G wireless communication, resulting in enhancing the uplink coverage of the cell. (Agiwal, see Paragraphs [0002], [0007], and [0024]).).
Regarding claim 43, combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches the features defined in the claim 41, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Tseng further teaches that wherein when the at least one first piece comprises the SUL priority, the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to determine, based on the SUL priority for each of the plurality of SULs, the M second SULs, (Tseng, in Paragraphs [0137], teaches that a UE may directly select a SUL CC as the uplink CC for initial access after the SUL prioritization is triggered. In Tables 2 and 5, Yung-lan teaches that the criteria for the prioritization for the selection of SUL CC is described based on the parameter information. In Paragraphs [0107] to [0129] and [0155]-[0164] and in Tables 3-7 and 8-11, Yung-lan teaches that based on Tables 2 and 5, the various prioritization for SUL CC is performed like Tables 3, 4(a), 4(b), 6, and 7 and according to each prioritization, the SUL CC for initial access may be selected like Tables 8-11. Therefore it is clear that based on parameter information, UE may select various criteria to perform the prioritization of SUL CCs and according to the performed prioritization, the SUL CCs may be selected for initial access.) and wherein when M is greater than 1, the at least one second piece comprises at least one of the channel quality threshold, (Tseng, In Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0050], teaches that in FIG. 1, each cell which supports both an UL CC (e.g., a primary UL CC) and a SUL CC may configure a downlink (DL)-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, and each cell may broadcast the DL-RSRP threshold to the UE, for example, through system info oration. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle state (or RRC inactive state) may select a SUL CC for initial access or for camping, if the UE detects that the DL-RSRP value from the serving cell of the UE is below the DL-RSRP-threshold, which is broadcasted by the serving cell. Therefore, it is clear that the SUL may be selected based on the channel quality (DL RSRP) threshold.) the quantity, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0164] and in Tables 11-1 and 11-2, teaches that An RA (Random Access) resource configuration may include (1) N.A., (2) RA Restricted sets only, (3) RA Unrestricted sets only, or (4) one RA Restricted set and one RA Unrestricted set, to one UL CC. Thus, a UE may need to jointly consider Table 11-1 and Table 11-2 for UL/SUL CC selection. It is noted that a RA Restricted set may be Type A or Type B RA Restricted set. In this observation, it is clear that the SUL may be selected by using a quantity of available SUL resources (restricted or unrestricted RA resources (SUL resources)) the SUL load, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0093], teaches that for certain types of services, such as CCTV image monitoring, a UE may need to transmit a large amount of data to the core network in the uplink direction. So, the UE may need SUL CC(s) to support such service which requires a large amount of uplink bandwidth. In one implementation, the NAS layer may instruct the UE (through NAS signaling) to assign a cell supporting SUL CC a higher priority than a cell not supporting SUL CC, when a network slice (e.g., CCTV image monitoring) with UL-dominant traffic is indicated in the NAS signaling. In this observation, the configuration information may include SUL load such as the amount of uplink bandwidth.) the slot position, (Tseng, in Fig. 3 and Paragraph [0098]-[0103], teaches that the as shown in Fig. 3, a base station (e.g., a gNB) may indicate whether a SUL CC is configured in at least one of its cells, for example, by broadcasting the SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 (System Information Block 1). Thus, a cell may provide SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 if a SUL CC is deployed in the cell. When a UE receives the SIB l(s) of one or more cells from the base station, the UE may observe whether SUL CC(s) is supported or not by the one or more cells of the base station. Alternatively, a Supplementary Uplink Indicator, which indicates whether the cell itself supports SUL or not, may be included in minimum system information (be provided in the Remaining minimum System Information or Physical Broadcast Channel, or Physical Shared Channel), which is broadcasted by the neighboring cells themselves. As shown, here, the UE may receive SUL CC configuration information from the base station through SIB or Supplementary Uplink Indicator and according to this information, the slot configuration supporting by SUL CC may be configured for initial access. If there are multiple SUL CC, the UE may need further the prioritization based on DL signaling quality. Based on this observation, it is clear that the slot positions supporting by SUL CC may be selected by the UE using the information from SIB 1 or Supplementary Uplink Indicator with/without the Prioritization with DL signaling quality.)
Tseng does not explicitly teach that the band.
Agiwal further teaches that the band (Agiwal, in Fig. 2 and in Paragraph [0041], teaches that in Fig. 2, the UE camps on a suitable cell (200). The cell (on which the UE camps) supports a downlink (DL) carrier, an uplink (UL) carrier and a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier. Note that the presence of the SUL carrier in the cell is indicated by presence of supplementaryUplink IE in SIB1. The supplementaryUplink IE provides information (such as associated frequency band(s), additionalPmax and additionalSpectrumEmission values, bandwidth, BWP configuration, etc.) related to the SUL. Therefore, the first or second configuration information may include a slot position of an available SUL random access channel RACH resource such as BWP configuration, and a band in which the SUL is located, such additionalSpectrumEmission values and bandwidth.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Tseng and Agiwal to include the technique of the band of Agiwal in the system of Tseng to provide a method and an apparatus of uplink (UL) access in a cell supporting supplementary uplink (SUL) to fully support the cell (re)selection to camp on a cell in a radio resource control (RRC) IDLE and a RRC INACTIVE state in 5G wireless communication, resulting in enhancing the uplink coverage of the cell. (Agiwal, see Paragraphs [0002], [0007], and [0024]).).
Regarding claim 44, combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches the features defined in the claim 41, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Tseng further teaches that wherein when the at least one first piece comprises the SUL load, the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to determine, based on the SUL load for each of the plurality of SULs, the M second SULs, (Tseng, in Paragraphs [0093] and [0094], teaches that for certain types of services, such as CCTV image monitoring, a UE may need to transmit a large amount of data to the core network in the uplink direction. So, the UE may need SUL CC(s) to support such service which requires a large amount of uplink bandwidth. In one implementation, the NAS layer may instruct the UE (through NAS (Non-Access Stratum) signaling) to assign a cell supporting SUL CC a higher priority than a cell not supporting SUL CC, when a network slice (e.g., CCTV image monitoring) with UL-dominant traffic is indicated in the NAS signaling. In such implementations, the AS (Access Stratum) layer may instruct the UE to select the serving cell based on DL signaling strength (e.g., based on S-criteria/R-criteria of LTE protocols as described in Table 2 and 5). In addition, the UE may not assign a cell supporting SUL a higher priority than a cell not supporting SUL. The prioritization and the selection for SUL CCs can be performed by using the Table 3-4 or 6-8 and jointly using Table 11. Therefore, it is clear that based on the type of the data, the load on the bandwidth may be decided and with this application, SUL CC may be prioritize and selected by using the combination of load and other criteria.) and wherein when M is greater than 1, the at least one second piece comprises at least one of the channel quality threshold, (Tseng, In Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0050], teaches that in FIG. 1, each cell which supports both an UL CC (e.g., a primary UL CC) and a SUL CC may configure a downlink (DL)-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, and each cell may broadcast the DL-RSRP threshold to the UE, for example, through system info oration. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle state (or RRC inactive state) may select a SUL CC for initial access or for camping, if the UE detects that the DL-RSRP value from the serving cell of the UE is below the DL-RSRP-threshold, which is broadcasted by the serving cell. Therefore, it is clear that the SUL may be selected based on the channel quality (DL RSRP) threshold.) the SUL priority, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0137], teaches that for cell (re)selection, a SUL CC may be selected as the uplink CC for initial access after the SUL prioritization is triggered. Therefore, the UE may select the SUL CC directly by referring to RRC Connection/Resume Cause, NAS signaling, or UE mobility state. Therefore, it is clear that UE may select UL SUL based on the SUL priority information.) the quantity, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0164] and in Tables 11-1 and 11-2, teaches that An RA (Random Access) resource configuration may include (1) N.A., (2) RA Restricted sets only, (3) RA Unrestricted sets only, or (4) one RA Restricted set and one RA Unrestricted set, to one UL CC. Thus, a UE may need to jointly consider Table 11-1 and Table 11-2 for UL/SUL CC selection. It is noted that a RA Restricted set may be Type A or Type B RA Restricted set. In this observation, it is clear that the SUL may be selected by using a quantity of available SUL resources (restricted or unrestricted RA resources (SUL resources)) the slot position, (Tseng, in Fig. 3 and Paragraph [0098]-[0103], teaches that the as shown in Fig. 3, a base station (e.g., a gNB) may indicate whether a SUL CC is configured in at least one of its cells, for example, by broadcasting the SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 (System Information Block 1). Thus, a cell may provide SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 if a SUL CC is deployed in the cell. When a UE receives the SIB l(s) of one or more cells from the base station, the UE may observe whether SUL CC(s) is supported or not by the one or more cells of the base station. Alternatively, a Supplementary Uplink Indicator, which indicates whether the cell itself supports SUL or not, may be included in minimum system information (be provided in the Remaining minimum System Information or Physical Broadcast Channel, or Physical Shared Channel), which is broadcasted by the neighboring cells themselves. As shown, here, the UE may receive SUL CC configuration information from the base station through SIB or Supplementary Uplink Indicator and according to this information, the slot configuration supporting by SUL CC may be configured for initial access. If there are multiple SUL CC, the UE may need further the prioritization based on DL signaling quality. Based on this observation, it is clear that the slot positions supporting by SUL CC may be selected by the UE using the information from SIB 1 or Supplementary Uplink Indicator with/without the Prioritization with DL signaling quality.)
Tseng does not explicitly teach that the band.
Agiwal further teaches that the band in which the SUL is located (Agiwal, in Fig. 2 and in Paragraph [0041], teaches that in Fig. 2, the UE camps on a suitable cell (200). The cell (on which the UE camps) supports a downlink (DL) carrier, an uplink (UL) carrier and a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier. Note that the presence of the SUL carrier in the cell is indicated by presence of supplementaryUplink IE in SIB1. The supplementaryUplink IE provides information (such as associated frequency band(s), additionalPmax and additionalSpectrumEmission values, bandwidth, BWP configuration, etc.) related to the SUL. Therefore, the first or second configuration information may include a slot position of an available SUL random access channel RACH resource such as BWP configuration, and a band in which the SUL is located, such additionalSpectrumEmission values and bandwidth.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Tseng and Agiwal to include the technique of the band of Agiwal in the system of Tseng to provide a method and an apparatus of uplink (UL) access in a cell supporting supplementary uplink (SUL) to fully support the cell (re)selection to camp on a cell in a radio resource control (RRC) IDLE and a RRC INACTIVE state in 5G wireless communication, resulting in enhancing the uplink coverage of the cell. (Agiwal, see Paragraphs [0002], [0007], and [0024]).).
Regarding claim 45, combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches the features defined in the claim 41, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Tseng further teaches that wherein when the at least one first piece comprises the quantity or a ratio indicating the quantity, the processor is further configured to execute the instructions to determine, based on the quantity, the M second SULs, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0164] and in Tables 11-1 and 11-2, teaches that An RA (Random Access) resource configuration may include (1) N.A., (2) RA Restricted sets only, (3) RA Unrestricted sets only, or (4) one RA Restricted set and one RA Unrestricted set, to one UL CC. Thus, a UE may need to jointly consider Table 11-1 and Table 11-2 for UL/SUL CC selection. For multiple SUL CCs, before the selection, the prioritization can be performed by using the Table 3-4 or 6-8. Therefore, it is clear that based on the quantity of available resources, the criteria for the prioritization may be selected and the prioritization may be performed based on the selected criteria for multiple SUL CC. Based on the prioritization, the appropriate SUL CC may be selected for the initial access.) and wherein when M is greater than 1, the at least one second piece comprises at least one of the channel quality threshold, (Tseng, In Fig. 1 and in Paragraph [0050], teaches that in FIG. 1, each cell which supports both an UL CC (e.g., a primary UL CC) and a SUL CC may configure a downlink (DL)-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) threshold, and each cell may broadcast the DL-RSRP threshold to the UE, for example, through system info oration. A UE in radio resource control (RRC) idle state (or RRC inactive state) may select a SUL CC for initial access or for camping, if the UE detects that the DL-RSRP value from the serving cell of the UE is below the DL-RSRP-threshold, which is broadcasted by the serving cell. Therefore, it is clear that the SUL may be selected based on the channel quality (DL RSRP) threshold.) the SUL priority, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0137], teaches that for cell (re)selection, a SUL CC may be selected as the uplink CC for initial access after the SUL prioritization is triggered. Therefore, the UE may select the SUL CC directly by referring to RRC Connection/Resume Cause, NAS signaling, or UE mobility state. Therefore, it is clear that UE may select UL SUL based on the SUL priority information.) the SUL load, (Tseng, in Paragraph [0093], teaches that for certain types of services, such as CCTV image monitoring, a UE may need to transmit a large amount of data to the core network in the uplink direction. So, the UE may need SUL CC(s) to support such service which requires a large amount of uplink bandwidth. In one implementation, the NAS layer may instruct the UE (through NAS signaling) to assign a cell supporting SUL CC a higher priority than a cell not supporting SUL CC, when a network slice (e.g., CCTV image monitoring) with UL-dominant traffic is indicated in the NAS signaling. In this observation, the configuration information may include SUL load such as the amount of uplink bandwidth.) the slot position, (Tseng, in Fig. 3 and Paragraph [0098]-[0103], teaches that the as shown in Fig. 3, a base station (e.g., a gNB) may indicate whether a SUL CC is configured in at least one of its cells, for example, by broadcasting the SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 (System Information Block 1). Thus, a cell may provide SUL CC configuration in SIB 1 if a SUL CC is deployed in the cell. When a UE receives the SIB l(s) of one or more cells from the base station, the UE may observe whether SUL CC(s) is supported or not by the one or more cells of the base station. Alternatively, a Supplementary Uplink Indicator, which indicates whether the cell itself supports SUL or not, may be included in minimum system information (be provided in the Remaining minimum System Information or Physical Broadcast Channel, or Physical Shared Channel), which is broadcasted by the neighboring cells themselves. As shown, here, the UE may receive SUL CC configuration information from the base station through SIB or Supplementary Uplink Indicator and according to this information, the slot configuration supporting by SUL CC may be configured for initial access. If there are multiple SUL CC, the UE may need further the prioritization based on DL signaling quality. Based on this observation, it is clear that the slot positions supporting by SUL CC may be selected by the UE using the information from SIB 1 or Supplementary Uplink Indicator with/without the Prioritization with DL signaling quality.)
Tseng does not explicitly teach that the band.
Agiwal further teaches that the band (Agiwal, in Fig. 2 and in Paragraph [0041], teaches that in Fig. 2, the UE camps on a suitable cell (200). The cell (on which the UE camps) supports a downlink (DL) carrier, an uplink (UL) carrier and a supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier. Note that the presence of the SUL carrier in the cell is indicated by presence of supplementaryUplink IE in SIB1. The supplementaryUplink IE provides information (such as associated frequency band(s), additionalPmax and additionalSpectrumEmission values, bandwidth, BWP configuration, etc.) related to the SUL. Therefore, the first or second configuration information may include a slot position of an available SUL random access channel RACH resource such as BWP configuration, and a band in which the SUL is located, such additionalSpectrumEmission values and bandwidth.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Tseng and Agiwal to include the technique of the band of Agiwal in the system of Tseng to provide a method and an apparatus of uplink (UL) access in a cell supporting supplementary uplink (SUL) to fully support the cell (re)selection to camp on a cell in a radio resource control (RRC) IDLE and a RRC INACTIVE state in 5G wireless communication, resulting in enhancing the uplink coverage of the cell. (Agiwal, see Paragraphs [0002], [0007], and [0024]).).
Regarding claim 46, combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches the features defined in the claim 45, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Yung-lan further teaches that wherein the available SUL resources are available uplink slot resources or available RACH resources (Tseng, in Paragraph [0048], teaches that in the next generation (e.g., 5G NR) wireless networks, there is a need for a gNB to configure different PRACH configuration(s) for UL CCs and SUL CCs separately. Based on the NR protocols, each cell may indicate the types of PRACH preamble sets by providing an Information Element 'restrictedSetConfig', which indicates the PRACH preamble set is 'Unrestricted set', 'Restricted set (Type A)' or 'Restricted set (Type B)', in the RACH-Config of system information. Thus, different uplink (UL/SUL) component carrier selection rules need to be provided by different RA resource configurations in UL and/or SUL CCs. Therefore, it is clear that the available resources are available uplink slot resources or available RACH resources.).
Claims 37-38 are rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yung-lan Tseng et al. (USPub No.: US 20190222367 A1, hereinafter “Tseng”) in a view of Anil Agiwal et al. (USPub. No.: US 20200296639 A1, hereinafter “Agiwal”) and further in a view of Jaehyuk Jang et al. (USPub. No.: US 20210337601 A1, hereinafter “Jang”).
Regarding claim 37, combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches the features defined in the claim 27, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
However, combination Tseng and Agiwal does not explicitly teach that wherein the configuration information further comprises a channel quality threshold, and wherein the random access method further comprises: receiving a downlink signal; determining, based on the downlink signal, an information value representing a channel quality; performing two steps to access the first SUL when the information value is greater than the channel quality threshold; and performing four steps to access the first SUL when the information value is less than or equal to the channel quality threshold.
Jang teaches that wherein the configuration information further comprises a channel quality threshold, and wherein the random access method further comprises: receiving a downlink signal; determining, based on the downlink signal, an information value representing a channel quality; (Jang, in Fig. 8 in Paragraphs [0101] and [0103], teaches that if the DL RSRP (Downlink Reference Signal Received Power: represent the channel quality) of the serving cell on which RA (Random Access) is initiated (i.e. the cell on which the UE will transmit Msg 1 for 4 step RA and Msg A for 2 step RA) measured by the UE is less than or equal to DL RSRP threshold (channel quality threshold), the UE performs the 4 step RA procedure. In an embodiment of the disclosure, if DL RSRP of serving cell on which RA is initiated (i.e. the cell on which UE will transmit Msg 1 for 4 step RA and Msg A for 2 step RA) measured by UE is greater than DLRSRP threshold, UE performs 2 step RA procedure. The DL RSRP threshold is signaled by the gNB. gNB signals a DL RSRP threshold for selecting 2/4 step RA procedure. In an embodiment, the DL RSRP threshold can be separately configured for NUL (Not SUL) carrier and SUL carrier, and UE uses the DL RSRP threshold corresponding to UL carrier selected for RA. Therefore, it is clear that UE receive the channel quality threshold (DL RSRP) from the gNB (base station), compare the channel quality (DL RSRP) measured by UE with the received channel quality threshold, and select the random access method among the 2-step RA and the 4-step RA.) performing two steps to access the first SUL when the information value is greater than the channel quality threshold; and performing four steps to access the first SUL when the information value is less than or equal to the channel quality threshold (Jang, in Fig. 8 and in [0100], [0101], and [0103], teaches that if the RSRP of the DL pathloss reference (i.e. SSB) is less than a configured threshold, UE selects SUL; otherwise NUL. gNB signals a DL RSRP threshold (channel quality threshold) for selecting 2/4 step RA procedure. In an embodiment, the DL RSRP threshold can be separately configured for NUL carrier and SUL carrier, and UE uses the DL RSRP threshold corresponding to UL carrier selected for RA. Referring to FIG. 8, upon initiation of the RA procedure at operation 810, the UE checks if the DL RSRP of the serving cell (i.e., the cell on which the UE will transmit Msg 1 for 4 step RA and Msg A for 2 step RA) is less than or equal to DL RSRP threshold or not at operation 820. If yes, the UE performs the 4 step RA procedure at operation 830. Otherwise (i.e. DL RSRP of serving cell is greater than DL RSRP threshold) UE performs the 2 step RA procedure at operation 840. Therefore, it is clear that to access the SUL, if the measured channel quality is greater that the channel quality threshold received from gNB, the 2-step RA is performed and otherwise, the 4-step RA is performed.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Tseng, Agiwal, and Jang to include the technique of wherein the configuration information further comprises a channel quality threshold, and wherein the random access method further comprises: receiving a downlink signal; determining, based on the downlink signal, an information value representing a channel quality; performing two steps to access the first SUL when the information value is greater than the channel quality threshold; and performing four steps to access the first SUL when the information value is less than or equal to the channel quality threshold of Jang in the system of combination of Tseng and Agiwal to provide a communication method and system for converging a fifth generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a fourth generation ( 4G) system (Jang, see Paragraph [0020]).
Although combination of Tseng, Agiwal, and Jang teaches all of claim 37, the Examiner notes that this claim contains contingent limitations. For method claims with contingent limitations, the broadest reasonable interpretation includes methods where the condition is met and where the condition isn't met. The limitations starting with "… when the information value ... when the information value …" is contingent limitations. The claim has been interpreted to not require the conditions stated to be met. See MPEP 2111.04 subsection 11.)
Regarding claim 38, combination of Tseng and Agiwal teaches the features defined in the claim 27, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Tseng further teaches that wherein the configuration information is information comprised in a system message broadcast by the network device (Tseng, in Paragraph [0165], teaches that RRC inactive UEs may also obtain broadcasting message (e.g., system information) from the base station to obtain the parameters, resource, and mechanisms provided in PART 1 to 3. Therefore, it is clear that the configuration information may be obtained by UE through broadcasting messages (system information).).
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Hyoungsuk Jeon and et. al. (USPub No.: US 20220030632 A1) which explains a random access procedure based on the supplementary uplink.
Martino M. Freda and et. al. (USPub No.: US 20220417804 A1) which explains a random access procedure based on the supplementary uplink for handover.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JAEYOUNG KWAK whose telephone number is (703)756-1768. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 9 AM -5 PM.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Kevin Bates can be reached at 571-272-3980. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/JAEYOUNG KWAK/Examiner, Art Unit 2472
/KEVIN T BATES/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2472
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