Prosecution Insights
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Application No. 18/051,769

TIME-AVERAGED RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) EXPOSURE PER EXPOSURE SCENARIO

Final Rejection §102
Filed
Nov 01, 2022
Examiner
BATES, KEVIN T
Art Unit
2472
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Qualcomm Incorporated
OA Round
2 (Final)
66%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
4y 9m
To Grant
92%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 66% — above average
66%
Career Allow Rate
141 granted / 215 resolved
+7.6% vs TC avg
Strong +26% interview lift
Without
With
+26.0%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
4y 9m
Avg Prosecution
16 currently pending
Career history
231
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
16.2%
-23.8% vs TC avg
§103
45.3%
+5.3% vs TC avg
§102
20.5%
-19.5% vs TC avg
§112
13.6%
-26.4% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 215 resolved cases

Office Action

§102
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Specification The lengthy specification has not been checked to the extent necessary to determine the presence of all possible minor errors. Applicant’s cooperation is requested in correcting any errors of which applicant may become aware in the specification. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claims 1-26 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Jadhav et al. US-20210099194-A1 (hereinafter “Jadhav”). As to claim 1: Jadhav discloses: A method of wireless communication by a wireless device, comprising: tracking sets of radio frequency (RF) exposures separately across a plurality of locations associated with a human body over time; and “The mobile device 110 also may determine or calculate … the volume of tissue on the user exposed to the RF emissions, and the part or region of the user's body exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, and/or extremities), so that some or all of this data may be used to determine an appropriate RF energy exposure limit for the user at the particular time.” [0022] Jadhav US-20210099194-A1 transmitting a first signal at a first transmit power determined based on a time- averaged RF exposure limit and at least one of the tracked sets of RF exposures. “If the current time-averaged value 402b exceeds the first threshold 403b, then the subsequent adjustment to the RF components 230 may be a relatively minor reduction in the transmission power or duty cycle, etc.” [0058] Jadhav and As to claim 2: Jadhav discloses: The method of claim 1, wherein tracking the sets of RF exposures comprises: tracking a first set of RF exposures across a first set of the locations over time; and “certain techniques are described below for implementing a dynamic specific absorption rate (SAR) system, including monitoring … RF emitting components within a mobile device over time.” [0017] Jadhav “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601)” [0068] Jadhav tracking a second set of RF exposures across a second set of the locations over time, wherein “certain techniques are described below for implementing a dynamic specific absorption rate (SAR) system, including monitoring … RF emitting components within a mobile device over time.” [0017] Jadhav “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as TXpower (607)/TX CAP (607)” [0068] Jadhav the first set of RF exposures does not contribute to the second set of RF exposures, and “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601)… the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as TXpower (607)/TX CAP (607)” [0068] Jadhav As described above and shown in FIG. 6, each exposure is tracked at a separate time period and calculated separately. wherein the first set of the locations is different from the second set of the locations. “The power utilization control engine 220 also may use the sensor data to determine the specific distance of the … particular antennas 235 from the user's skin, and the region/part of the user being exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, extremities, etc.) … the power utilization control engine 220 may use this capability to determine when the user's head is being exposed to the RF emissions, as opposed to the user's body or extremities” [0055] Jadhav “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601)… the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as TXpower (607)/TX CAP (607)” [0068] Jadhav, where: “the TX CAP (601) at this point in time for Antenna 0 is based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)… the TX CAP (607) at this point in time for Antenna 1 is similarly based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav As to claim 3: Jadhav discloses: The method of claim 2, wherein: the first set of the locations corresponds to a first exposure category; and “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601) … the TX CAP (601) at this point in time for Antenna 0 is based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav the second set of the locations corresponds to a second exposure category. “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as TXpower (607)/TX CAP (607) … the TX CAP (607) at this point in time for Antenna 1 is similarly based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav As to claim 4: Jadhav discloses: The method of claim 2, further comprising determining the first transmit power based at least in part on a maximum allowed transmit power that satisfies the time- averaged RF exposure limit in a time interval while “transmission power is limited by SAR (TX CAPS)” [0026] Jadhav “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601)” [0068] Jadhav considering the first set of RF exposures or the second set of RF exposures. “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as … the ratio of the TX power to the TX CAP … Similarly, the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as … the ratio of the TX power to the TX CAP” [0068] Jadhav As to claim 5: Jadhav discloses: The method of claim 2, wherein tracking the sets of RF exposures further comprises tracking the sets of RF exposures per antenna group among a plurality of antenna groups. “The power utilization control engine 220 also may use the sensor data to determine the specific distance of the … particular antennas 235 from the user's skin, and the region/part of the user being exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, extremities, etc.) … the power utilization control engine 220 may use this capability to determine when the user's head is being exposed to the RF emissions, as opposed to the user's body or extremities” [0055] Jadhav As to claim 6: Jadhav discloses: The method of claim 5, wherein: tracking the sets of RF exposures further comprises: tracking the first set of RF exposures per antenna group among a first set of one or more antenna groups; and “The power utilization control engine 220 also may use the sensor data to determine the specific distance of the … particular antennas 235 from the user's skin, and the region/part of the user being exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, extremities, etc.) … the power utilization control engine 220 may use this capability to determine when the user's head is being exposed to the RF emissions, as opposed to the user's body or extremities” [0055] Jadhav “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601) … the TX CAP (601) at this point in time for Antenna 0 is based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav tracking the second set of RF exposures per antenna group among a second set of one or more antenna groups; and “The power utilization control engine 220 also may use the sensor data to determine the specific distance of the … particular antennas 235 from the user's skin, and the region/part of the user being exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, extremities, etc.) … the power utilization control engine 220 may use this capability to determine when the user's head is being exposed to the RF emissions, as opposed to the user's body or extremities” [0055] Jadhav “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as TXpower (607)/TX CAP (607) … the TX CAP (607) at this point in time for Antenna 1 is similarly based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav the method further comprises determining the first transmit power based at least in part on the sets of RF exposures associated with the first set of one or more antenna groups or the second set of one or more antenna groups. “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as … the ratio of the TX power to the TX CAP … Similarly, the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as … the ratio of the TX power to the TX CAP” [0068] Jadhav As to claim 7: Jadhav discloses: The method of claim 2, further comprising: determining the first transmit power based at least in part on a first maximum allowed transmit power that satisfies the time-averaged RF exposure limit in a first time interval while “transmission power is limited by SAR (TX CAPS)” [0026] Jadhav “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601)” [0068] Jadhav taking into account the first set of RF exposures; “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as … the ratio of the TX power to the TX CAP” [0068] Jadhav determining a second transmit power based at least in part on a second maximum allowed transmit power that satisfies the time-averaged RF exposure limit in a second time interval while “transmission power is limited by SAR (TX CAPS)” [0026] Jadhav “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as TXpower (607)/TX CAP (607)” [0068] Jadhav taking into account the second set of RF exposures; and “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as … the ratio of the TX power to the TX CAP … Similarly, the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as … the ratio of the TX power to the TX CAP” [0068] Jadhav transmitting a second signal at the second transmit power. “If the current time-averaged value 402b exceeds the first threshold 403b, then the subsequent adjustment to the RF components 230 may be a relatively minor reduction in the transmission power or duty cycle, etc.” [0058] Jadhav As to claim 8: Jadhav discloses: The method of claim 1, wherein: tracking the sets of RF exposures comprises tracking the sets of RF exposures across a plurality of exposure categories, “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601) … the TX CAP (601) at this point in time for Antenna 0 is based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav each of the exposure categories is representative of a different location or a different set of locations among the plurality of locations, and “The power utilization control engine 220 also may use the sensor data to determine the specific distance of the … particular antennas 235 from the user's skin, and the region/part of the user being exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, extremities, etc.) … the power utilization control engine 220 may use this capability to determine when the user's head is being exposed to the RF emissions, as opposed to the user's body or extremities” [0055] Jadhav each of the exposure categories is mutually exclusive of the other exposure categories in terms of tracking the RF exposures. “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601)… the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as TXpower (607)/TX CAP (607)” [0068] Jadhav, where: “the TX CAP (601) at this point in time for Antenna 0 is based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)… the TX CAP (607) at this point in time for Antenna 1 is similarly based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav As described above and shown in FIG. 6, each exposure is tracked at a separate time period and calculated separately. As to claim 9: Jadhav discloses: The method of claim 8, wherein the exposure categories include a first exposure category associated with head exposure and a second exposure category associated with non-head exposure. “The power utilization control engine 220 also may use the sensor data to determine the specific distance of the … particular antennas 235 from the user's skin, and the region/part of the user being exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, extremities, etc.) … the power utilization control engine 220 may use this capability to determine when the user's head is being exposed to the RF emissions, as opposed to the user's body or extremities” [0055] Jadhav “the TX CAP (601) at this point in time for Antenna 0 is based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)… the TX CAP (607) at this point in time for Antenna 1 is similarly based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav As described above and shown in FIG. 6, each exposure is tracked at a separate time period and calculated separately; which indicates each body part can be chosen separately. As to claim 10: Jadhav discloses: The method of claim 8, wherein the exposure categories include: a first exposure category associated with head exposure; “The power utilization control engine 220 also may use the sensor data to determine the specific distance of the … particular antennas 235 from the user's skin, and the region/part of the user being exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, extremities, etc.) … the power utilization control engine 220 may use this capability to determine when the user's head is being exposed to the RF emissions, as opposed to the user's body or extremities” [0055] Jadhav a second exposure category associated with trunk exposure; and “The power utilization control engine 220 also may use the sensor data to determine the specific distance of the … particular antennas 235 from the user's skin, and the region/part of the user being exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, extremities, etc.) … the power utilization control engine 220 may use this capability to determine when the user's head is being exposed to the RF emissions, as opposed to the user's body or extremities” [0055] Jadhav a third exposure category associated with extremity exposure. “The power utilization control engine 220 also may use the sensor data to determine the specific distance of the … particular antennas 235 from the user's skin, and the region/part of the user being exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, extremities, etc.) … the power utilization control engine 220 may use this capability to determine when the user's head is being exposed to the RF emissions, as opposed to the user's body or extremities” [0055] Jadhav As to claim 11: Jadhav discloses: The method of claim 1, further comprising determining the first transmit power based on the time-averaged RF exposure limit for a time window and the at least one of the tracked sets of RF exposures for the same time window. “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601)… the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as TXpower (607)/TX CAP (607)” [0068] Jadhav “the TX CAP (601) at this point in time for Antenna 0 is based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)… the TX CAP (607) at this point in time for Antenna 1 is similarly based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav As described above and shown in FIG. 6, each exposure is tracked at a separate time period and calculated separately for each body type exposure. As to claim 12: Jadhav discloses: The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitted first signal is associated with an RF exposure distribution, and “the initial transmission power (TXpower) … the initial transmission cap (TX CAP)” [0067] Jadhav “the TX CAP (601) at this point in time for Antenna 0 is based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)… the TX CAP (607) at this point in time for Antenna 1 is similarly based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav wherein the method further comprises determining a subset of the plurality of locations which experience RF exposure based on the distribution and an output of one or more sensors of the wireless device. “the initial transmission power (TXpower) … the initial transmission cap (TX CAP)” [0067] Jadhav “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601)… the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as TXpower (607)/TX CAP (607)” [0068] Jadhav, where: “the TX CAP (601) at this point in time for Antenna 0 is based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)… the TX CAP (607) at this point in time for Antenna 1 is similarly based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav which indicates the distribution “TX CAP … exposure type” and an output of one or more sensors “TXpower” As to claim 13: Jadhav discloses: An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: a memory; and FIG. 8 Jadhav a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to: FIG. 8 Jadhav track sets of radio frequency (RF) exposures separately across a plurality of locations associated with a human body over time, and “The mobile device 110 also may determine or calculate … the volume of tissue on the user exposed to the RF emissions, and the part or region of the user's body exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, and/or extremities), so that some or all of this data may be used to determine an appropriate RF energy exposure limit for the user at the particular time.” [0022] Jadhav output a first signal for transmission at a first transmit power determined based on a time-averaged RF exposure limit and at least one of the tracked sets of RF exposures. “If the current time-averaged value 402b exceeds the first threshold 403b, then the subsequent adjustment to the RF components 230 may be a relatively minor reduction in the transmission power or duty cycle, etc.” [0058] Jadhav As to claim 14: Jadhav discloses: The apparatus of claim 13, wherein to track the sets of RF exposures, the processor is further configured to: track a first set of RF exposures across a first set of the locations over time; and “certain techniques are described below for implementing a dynamic specific absorption rate (SAR) system, including monitoring … RF emitting components within a mobile device over time.” [0017] Jadhav “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601)” [0068] Jadhav track a second set of RF exposures across a second set of the locations over time, wherein “certain techniques are described below for implementing a dynamic specific absorption rate (SAR) system, including monitoring … RF emitting components within a mobile device over time.” [0017] Jadhav “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as TXpower (607)/TX CAP (607)” [0068] Jadhav the first set of RF exposures does not contribute to the second set of RF exposures, and wherein “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601)… the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as TXpower (607)/TX CAP (607)” [0068] Jadhav As described above and shown in FIG. 6, each exposure is tracked at a separate time period and calculated separately. the first set of the locations is different from the second set of the locations. “The power utilization control engine 220 also may use the sensor data to determine the specific distance of the … particular antennas 235 from the user's skin, and the region/part of the user being exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, extremities, etc.) … the power utilization control engine 220 may use this capability to determine when the user's head is being exposed to the RF emissions, as opposed to the user's body or extremities” [0055] Jadhav “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601)… the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as TXpower (607)/TX CAP (607)” [0068] Jadhav, where: “the TX CAP (601) at this point in time for Antenna 0 is based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)… the TX CAP (607) at this point in time for Antenna 1 is similarly based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav As to claim 15: Jadhav discloses: The apparatus of claim 14, wherein: the first set of the locations corresponds to a first exposure category; and “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601) … the TX CAP (601) at this point in time for Antenna 0 is based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav the second set of the locations corresponds to a second exposure category. “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as TXpower (607)/TX CAP (607) … the TX CAP (607) at this point in time for Antenna 1 is similarly based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav As to claim 16: Jadhav discloses: The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the first transmit power based at least in part on a maximum allowed transmit power that satisfies the time-averaged RF exposure limit in a time interval while “transmission power is limited by SAR (TX CAPS)” [0026] Jadhav “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601)” [0068] Jadhav considering the first set of RF exposures or the second set of RF exposures. “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as … the ratio of the TX power to the TX CAP … Similarly, the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as … the ratio of the TX power to the TX CAP” [0068] Jadhav As to claim 17: Jadhav discloses: The apparatus of claim 14, wherein to track the sets of RF exposures, the processor is further configured to track the sets of RF exposures per antenna group among a plurality of antenna groups. “The power utilization control engine 220 also may use the sensor data to determine the specific distance of the … particular antennas 235 from the user's skin, and the region/part of the user being exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, extremities, etc.) … the power utilization control engine 220 may use this capability to determine when the user's head is being exposed to the RF emissions, as opposed to the user's body or extremities” [0055] Jadhav As to claim 18: Jadhav discloses: The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the processor is further configured to: track the first set of RF exposures per antenna group among a first set of one or more antenna groups; “The power utilization control engine 220 also may use the sensor data to determine the specific distance of the … particular antennas 235 from the user's skin, and the region/part of the user being exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, extremities, etc.) … the power utilization control engine 220 may use this capability to determine when the user's head is being exposed to the RF emissions, as opposed to the user's body or extremities” [0055] Jadhav “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601) … the TX CAP (601) at this point in time for Antenna 0 is based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav track the second set of RF exposures per antenna group among a second set of one or more antenna groups; and “The power utilization control engine 220 also may use the sensor data to determine the specific distance of the … particular antennas 235 from the user's skin, and the region/part of the user being exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, extremities, etc.) … the power utilization control engine 220 may use this capability to determine when the user's head is being exposed to the RF emissions, as opposed to the user's body or extremities” [0055] Jadhav “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as TXpower (607)/TX CAP (607) … the TX CAP (607) at this point in time for Antenna 1 is similarly based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav determine the first transmit power based at least in part on the sets of RF exposures associated with the first set of one or more antenna groups or the second set of one or more antenna groups. “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as … the ratio of the TX power to the TX CAP … Similarly, the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as … the ratio of the TX power to the TX CAP” [0068] Jadhav As to claim 19: Jadhav discloses: The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine the first transmit power based at least in part on a first maximum allowed transmit power that satisfies the time-averaged RF exposure limit in a first time interval while “transmission power is limited by SAR (TX CAPS)” [0026] Jadhav “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601)” [0068] Jadhav taking into account the first set of RF exposures, “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as … the ratio of the TX power to the TX CAP” [0068] Jadhav determine a second transmit power based at least in part on a second maximum allowed transmit power that satisfies the time-averaged RF exposure limit in a second time interval while “transmission power is limited by SAR (TX CAPS)” [0026] Jadhav “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as TXpower (607)/TX CAP (607)” [0068] Jadhav taking into account the second set of RF exposures, and “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as … the ratio of the TX power to the TX CAP … Similarly, the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as … the ratio of the TX power to the TX CAP” [0068] Jadhav output a second signal for transmission at the second transmit power. “If the current time-averaged value 402b exceeds the first threshold 403b, then the subsequent adjustment to the RF components 230 may be a relatively minor reduction in the transmission power or duty cycle, etc.” [0058] Jadhav As to claim 20: Jadhav discloses: The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: to track the sets of RF exposures, the processor is further configured to track the sets of RF exposures across a plurality of exposure categories, “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601) … the TX CAP (601) at this point in time for Antenna 0 is based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav each of the exposure categories is representative of a different location or a different set of locations among the plurality of locations, and “The power utilization control engine 220 also may use the sensor data to determine the specific distance of the … particular antennas 235 from the user's skin, and the region/part of the user being exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, extremities, etc.) … the power utilization control engine 220 may use this capability to determine when the user's head is being exposed to the RF emissions, as opposed to the user's body or extremities” [0055] Jadhav each of the exposure categories is mutually exclusive of the other exposure categories in terms of tracking the RF exposures. “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601)… the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as TXpower (607)/TX CAP (607)” [0068] Jadhav, where: “the TX CAP (601) at this point in time for Antenna 0 is based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)… the TX CAP (607) at this point in time for Antenna 1 is similarly based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav As described above and shown in FIG. 6, each exposure is tracked at a separate time period and calculated separately. As to claim 21: Jadhav discloses: The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the exposure categories include a first exposure category associated with head exposure and a second exposure category associated with non-head exposure. “The power utilization control engine 220 also may use the sensor data to determine the specific distance of the … particular antennas 235 from the user's skin, and the region/part of the user being exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, extremities, etc.) … the power utilization control engine 220 may use this capability to determine when the user's head is being exposed to the RF emissions, as opposed to the user's body or extremities” [0055] Jadhav “the TX CAP (601) at this point in time for Antenna 0 is based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)… the TX CAP (607) at this point in time for Antenna 1 is similarly based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav As described above and shown in FIG. 6, each exposure is tracked at a separate time period and calculated separately; which indicates each body part can be chosen separately. As to claim 22: Jadhav discloses: The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the exposure categories include: a first exposure category associated with head exposure; “The power utilization control engine 220 also may use the sensor data to determine the specific distance of the … particular antennas 235 from the user's skin, and the region/part of the user being exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, extremities, etc.) … the power utilization control engine 220 may use this capability to determine when the user's head is being exposed to the RF emissions, as opposed to the user's body or extremities” [0055] Jadhav a second exposure category associated with trunk exposure; and “The power utilization control engine 220 also may use the sensor data to determine the specific distance of the … particular antennas 235 from the user's skin, and the region/part of the user being exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, extremities, etc.) … the power utilization control engine 220 may use this capability to determine when the user's head is being exposed to the RF emissions, as opposed to the user's body or extremities” [0055] Jadhav a third exposure category associated with extremity exposure. “The power utilization control engine 220 also may use the sensor data to determine the specific distance of the … particular antennas 235 from the user's skin, and the region/part of the user being exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, extremities, etc.) … the power utilization control engine 220 may use this capability to determine when the user's head is being exposed to the RF emissions, as opposed to the user's body or extremities” [0055] Jadhav As to claim 23: Jadhav discloses: The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the first transmit power based on the time-averaged RF exposure limit for a time window and the at least one of the tracked sets of RF exposures for the same time window. “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601)… the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as TXpower (607)/TX CAP (607)” [0068] Jadhav “the TX CAP (601) at this point in time for Antenna 0 is based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)… the TX CAP (607) at this point in time for Antenna 1 is similarly based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav As described above and shown in FIG. 6, each exposure is tracked at a separate time period and calculated separately for each body type exposure. As to claim 24: Jadhav discloses: The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the transmitted first signal is associated with an RF exposure distribution, and “the initial transmission power (TXpower) … the initial transmission cap (TX CAP)” [0067] Jadhav “the TX CAP (601) at this point in time for Antenna 0 is based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)… the TX CAP (607) at this point in time for Antenna 1 is similarly based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav wherein the processor is further configured to determine a subset of the plurality of locations which experience RF exposure based on the distribution and an output of one or more sensors of the apparatus. “the initial transmission power (TXpower) … the initial transmission cap (TX CAP)” [0067] Jadhav “the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 0 for period 611 may be calculated as TXpower (601)/TX CAP (601)… the SAR budget utilization for Antenna 1 for period 616 may be calculated as TXpower (607)/TX CAP (607)” [0068] Jadhav, where: “the TX CAP (601) at this point in time for Antenna 0 is based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)… the TX CAP (607) at this point in time for Antenna 1 is similarly based on at least: … the user exposure type (headbody)” [0068] Jadhav which indicates the distribution “TX CAP … exposure type” and an output of one or more sensors “TXpower” As to claim 25: Jadhav discloses: The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a transmitter configured to transmit the first signal at the first transmit power. “The mobile device 110 also may determine … the specific antennas of the RF transmitters” [0022] Jadhav “the initial transmission power (TXpower)” [0067] Jadhav “various power-emitting components (e.g., radios, transmitters, antennas, etc.) within a mobile device.” [0078] Jadhav As to claim 26: Jadhav discloses: An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: means for tracking sets of radio frequency (RF) exposures separately across a plurality of locations associated with a human body over time; and “The mobile device 110 also may determine or calculate … the volume of tissue on the user exposed to the RF emissions, and the part or region of the user's body exposed to the RF emissions (e.g., head, body, and/or extremities), so that some or all of this data may be used to determine an appropriate RF energy exposure limit for the user at the particular time.” [0022] Jadhav US-20210099194-A1 means for transmitting a first signal at a first transmit power determined based on a time-averaged RF exposure limit and at least one of the tracked sets of RF exposures. “If the current time-averaged value 402b exceeds the first threshold 403b, then the subsequent adjustment to the RF components 230 may be a relatively minor reduction in the transmission power or duty cycle, etc.” [0058] Jadhav Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure: Zhang US-20230012055-A1 teaches a similar setup overall FARAONE US-20140187281-A1 teaches a similar setup overall Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to AHMED K JABER whose telephone number is (703)756-5565. The examiner can normally be reached Monday thru Friday ET. 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, Khaled Kassim be reached on (571) 270-3770. 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. /AHMED K JABER/Examiner, Art Unit 2472 /KHALED M KASSIM/supervisory patent examiner, Art Unit 2472
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Prosecution Timeline

Nov 01, 2022
Application Filed
Apr 14, 2025
Non-Final Rejection — §102
Jul 24, 2025
Response Filed
Mar 14, 2026
Final Rejection — §102 (current)

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
66%
Grant Probability
92%
With Interview (+26.0%)
4y 9m
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 215 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allow rate.

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