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 11/11/2025 have been considered for examination. Claims 1-20 are pending in the instant application.
With regard to the 103 rejections, Applicant’s arguments filed 11/11/2025 (see pages 14-18 of Remarks) in view of the amendments have been fully considered but are not persuasive at least in view of the reasons set forth below. Further, Examiner notes that Applicant’s amendments necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in the instant Office Action.
Regarding claim 1, 4, 11, 14, and 20, Applicant argued:
Regarding the part of the amended claim 1, recites as “... a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence ...,” Yang's disclosure concerns resource allocation, not timing derivation. The preamble and PUSCH may simply occur in adjacent or partially overlapping resources without any defined temporal dependency between their respective transmission timings.
Regarding the part of the amended claim 1, recites as “... a first time window related to a time-domain resource occupied by the target signal ...,” Wei does not disclose, in Paragraphs [0079] and [0089], that the MSGB Response Window is "related to a time-domain resource occupied by the target signal (equated by the Examiner with MSGA in the Office Action). Accordingly, Wei does not disclose or suggest the mentioned part of the amended claim 1.
Regarding the part of the amended claim 1, recites as “... wherein the first signal comprises the first C-RNTI and a second C-RNTI ...,” Wei fails to teach or suggest a signal that itself includes multiple identifiers, nor does it disclose a composite signal containing configuration or scheduling information associated with more than one C-RNTI, since the first and second C-RNTI of Wei are used to separately identify separate control messages. Namely, claim 1 requires a single "first signal" that comprises both a first C-RNTI and a second C-RNT (i.e., both identifiers are included within the same signal instance).
Regarding the amended claims 4 and 14, where the first and second C-RNTI are configured by a first cell and a second cell, respectively, Wei says that the C-RNTls may be the same or different, but never puts both in one DCI or one composite signal.
Claims 11 and 20 include features similar to claim 1 and, therefore, are also not obvious over Wei, Yang, or their alleged combination, for at least the same reasons as claim 1.
In response to Applicant’s argument, Examiner respectfully disagrees.
Regarding the part of the amended claim 1, recites as “... a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence ...,” where the PUSCH payload is considered as the target signal and a random access (RA) preamble is considered as the first characteristic sequence, in MSGA (message A) of RA procedure, respectively, (since there are no definitions about the target signal and the first characteristic sequence), it just say that the transmission time of the target signal (PUSCH) is related to the transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence (RA preamble), but it does not say about the configuration of the transmission time for either PUSCH or RA preamble. Thus, in the previous office action, although the main prior art of Wei, in Fig. 2A, 3A and 3B, and in Paragraphs [0096] and [0097], teaches that the transmission MSGA PUSCH is transmitted after the transmission of RA preamble, in order, as shown in the figures, to make sure this feature in the previous office action, instead, Yang, in Paragraph [0115], teaches that the RA preamble and the PUSCH part may transmitted by TDM or FDM. Therefore, combination of Wei and Yang clearly disclose the part of the amended claim 1 mentioned in the above.
Regarding the part of the amended claim 1, recites as “... a first time window related to a time-domain resource occupied by the target signal ...,” where the first time window is considered as the MSGB reception window (since there is no definition of a first time window), Wei, in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], teaches that in Fig 4B illustrates a process 400B of MSGB reception window when a (PUSCH) payload of MSGA (shown in Fig. 3B) includes a C-RNTI MAC CE. In this case, the UE may additionally monitor PDCCH for an RAR identified by the C-RNTI within the MSGB (message B in RA procedure) window and DCI (Downlink Control Information) 412B with CRC bits scrambled by a first C-RNTI includes a UL grant that schedules a PUSCH 414B. Namely, if the first C-RNTI is the same as the C-RNTI used by the UE for PDCCH monitoring, the UE may successfully decode the DCI 412B and then perform UL transmission on the PUSCH 414B, where the DCI provides the indications of the time-domain resources for the transmission of PUSCH. Therefore, Wei clearly discloses this part of the amended claim 1.
Regarding the part of the amended claim 1, recites as “... wherein the first signal comprises the first C-RNTI and a second C-RNTI ...,” although Applicant insists the first and second C-RNTI (Cell-Radio Network Temporary Identifier) are included within the same signal instant, this sentence, “the first signal … a second C-RNTI” is not necessary to mean including the condition “within the same signal instant.” Instead, this part indicates that the control message (MSG B: the first signal) contains both identifiers as part of its information as shown by Wei in Fig. 4B and described in Paragraph [0104], “Fig. 4B illustrates a process 400B of MSGB reception … which include an RAR.” Therefore, Wei clearly discloses this part of the amended claim 1.
In the amended claims 4 and 14, the first and second C-RNTI are configured by a first cell and a second cell, respectively, but in the claims, there is no evidence about Applicant’s argument, “both C-RNTI is put in one DCI or one composite signal.” Regarding this part of the amended claims 4 and 14, Wei, in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], teaches that in a process 400B of MSGB reception, the first C-RNTI and the second C-RNTI are same if both DCI 412B and the DCI 422B schedule data transmission for the same UE. Further, in Paragraphs [0057] and [0067], Wei teaches that when CA (Carrier Aggregation) is configured, the same C-RNTI may apply to all serving cell, where the serving cell is used to denote the set of cells comprising of the Special Cell (SpCell, can be PCell (Primary Cell) or PSCell (Primary Secondary Cell)) and all secondary cells. By applying the configuration of Fig. 4B, for UE in the RRC_CONNECTED state configured with CA, the first C-RNTI is configured by the Pcell (SpCell) and the second C-RNTI is configured by the secondary cell. Therefore, Wei clearly discloses this part of the amended claims 4 and 14.
Therefore, combination of Wei and Yang disclose the parts of the amended claims 1, 4, and 14 mentioned in the argument of Applicant. By similar reasoning, the amended claims 11 and 20 are disclosed by combination of Wei and Yang.
However, since the amended claim has changed the scope of Application, Examiner notes that Applicant’s amendments necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection 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 1-4, 7, 9, 11-14, 17, 19, and 20 are rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Chia-Hung Wei and et. al (USPub. No.: US 20210168874 A1, hereinafter “Wei”) in a view of Suckchel Yang and et. al (USPub. No.: US 20210329703 A1, hereinafter “Yang”).
Regarding claim 1, Wei teaches that a wireless handset comprising: a transceiver configured to: transmit a first characteristic sequence and a target signal comprising a first Cell-Radio Network Temporary Identity (C-RNTI), (Wei, in Fig. 2B, 3A, and 3B and in Paragraphs [0096]-[0097], teaches that in Fig. 2B and in Paragraphs [0096]-[0097], teaches that action 212B and action 214B represents MSGA (message A) transmission. In action 214B, UE performs MSGA RA (Random Access) preamble transmission (the first characteristic sequence), where the RA preamble is selected randomly from the 2-Step RA preambles associated with the selected SSB (Synchronization Signal Block) and the corresponding RA preamble is transmitted by UE using the selected PRACH occasion as the first part of the MSGA transmission. After the preamble transmission of MSGA, in action 214B, MAGA PUSCH (a payload of the MSGA: the target signal) transmission is performed by UE, where the MSGA PUSCH comprises a C-RNTI MAC CE as shown in Fig. 3B. The detail description is found in Paragraph [0099]. Therefore, it is clear that the transceiver (UE) transmits a first characteristic sequence (RA preamble of MSGA) first and after completion of the preamble transmission, a target signal (PUSCH payload of MSGA: including a C-RNTI MAC CE) is transmitted in order. ) wherein a channel occupied by the first characteristic sequence includes a random access (RA) -related channel, (Wei, in 2B, 3A, and 3B and in Paragraph [0096], teaches the UE may select an RA preamble (the first characteristic sequence) randomly with equal probability from the 2-step RA preambles associated with the selected SSB. The UE may perform corresponding preamble transmission by using the selected PRACH occasion as the first part of MSGA transmission. Therefore, it is clear that the channel occupied by the first characteristic sequence (RA preamble) is a random access channel (PRACH).) a first receiver configured to: monitor, within a first time window related to a time-domain resource occupied by the target signal, a first signaling that comprises configuration information for a first signal and Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) bits scrambled using an RNTI different from the first C-RNTI, (Wei, in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], teaches that Fig. 4B illustrates a process 400B of MSGB (the first signal) reception when payload of MSGA (PUSCH: the target signal) includes a C-RNTI MAC CE (the first C-RNTI), where the UE may additionally monitor PDCCH for an RAR (Random Access Response) identified by the C-RNTI (the first C-RNTI) within the MSGB window (the first time window). The UE monitors PDCCHs (including PDCCH 410B, PDCCH 420B, PDCCH 430B) for an RAR identified by the MSGB-RNTI and monitor the PDCCHs for an RAR (MSGB: the first signal) identified by the C-RNTI within the MSGB window. For example, DCI (Downlink Control Information: the first signaling) 412B with CRC bits scrambled by a first C-RNTI includes a UL grant that schedules a PUSCH 414B (the target signal), resulting that the first time window (the MSGB window) is related to the time-domain resources of PUSCH (the target signal) indicated by DCI 412B. DCI 422B with CRC bits scrambled by a second C-RNTI includes a DL assignment that schedules a PDSCH 424B. Therefore, the first time window (the MSGB window) can be start after transmission of the target signal (PUSCH payload of MSGA that include C-RNTI MAC CE) as described in Paragraph [0102] and in the first time window, the UE (the first receiver) monitor the first signaling (PDCCHs). The first signaling comprises the configuration information (DCIs) for the MSGB (the first signal) with CRC bits scrambled by the first C-RNTI or the second C-RNTI, where the second C-RNTI may be either same as or different from the first C-RNTI.) wherein the configuration information defines a time-frequency resource set occupied by the first signal, and (Wei, in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], teaches that as described in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], the configuration information, DCIs, received in MSGB window (the first time window) as MSGB signal (RAR) includes the indications for either UL grant that schedules a PUSCH or a DL assignment that schedules a PDSCH.) the target signal is used to trigger the first signal, and (Wei, in Fig. 2B and in Paragraph [0102], teaches that the MSGB window (the first time window) is started by UE after the transmission of PUSCH payload of MSGA (the target signal) with/without the timing offset as described in Fig. 2B and in Paragraph [0102]. The MSGB time window is started from the beginning of the first symbol of the upcoming PDCCH (MSGB signal: the first signal) after the transmission of PUSCH payload of MSGA with/without a timing offset. Therefore, the targe signal (PUSCH payload of MSGA) is used to trigger the first signal (MSGB signal).) based on detection of the first signal, demodulate the first signal, wherein the first signal comprises the first C-RNTI and a second C-RNTI, (Wei, in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], teaches that as described in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], the UE may monitor PDCCHs (including PDCCH 410B, PDCCH 420B, PDCCH 430B) for an RAR identified by the MSGB-RNTI and monitor the PDCCHs for an RAR identified by the C-RNTI within the MSGB window. Here, the MSGB signal (RAR), as shown in Fig. 4B, includes the first C-RNTI and the second C-RNTI. As described earlier, DCI 412B with CRC bits scrambled by a first C-RNTI includes a UL grant that schedules a PUSCH 414B. DCI 422B with CRC bits scrambled by a second C-RNTI includes a DL assignment that schedules a PDSCH 424B. If the first C-RNTI is the same as the C-RNTI used by the UE for PDCCH monitoring, the UE may successfully decode the DCI 412B and then perform UL transmission on the PUSCH 414B. If the second C-RNTI is the same as the C-RNTI used by the UE for PDCCH monitoring, the UE may successfully decode the DCI 422B and then receive the PDSCH 424B, which may include an RAR. In one implementation, the PDSCH 424B may include an absolute timing advance command (TAC) MAC CE (e.g., 12 bits). DCI 432B with CRC bits scrambled by a MSGB-RNTI schedules a MSGB 434B on a PDSCH. Therefore, based on detection of the first signal (MSGB signal (RAR) including DCIs), demodulate the first signal, wherein the first signal comprises the first C-RNTI and a second C-RNTI.)
Wei does not explicitly teach that wherein a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence.
Yang teaches that wherein a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence; (Yang, in Paragraph [0115], teaches that the MSGA signal may be configured in a combination of a RACH preamble (the first characteristic sequence) and a PUSCH part (payload of MSGA: the target signal). The RACH preamble and the PUSCH part may be combined by TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) or FDM (Frequency Division Multiplexing). Namely, by TDM, the RA preamble is transmitted first and after its completion, the PUSCH payload of MSGA is transmitted. Further, by FDM, the RA preamble and the PUSCH payload of MSGA can be transmitted at the same time by using different frequency bands. Therefore, it is clear that the transmission of the target signal (the PUSCH payload of MSGA) is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence (RA preamble).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Wei and Yang to include the technique of a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence of Yang in the system of Wei to provide a method of efficiently transmitting/receiving control information
in a wireless communication not only to support a larger communication capacity for mobile
broadband communication but also to reduce the sensitivity to reliability and latency on the services or UEs for the new radio (Yang, see Paragraphs [0003] and [0033]).).
Regarding claim 2, combination of Wei and Yang teaches the features defined in the claims 1, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Wei further teaches that wherein the first characteristic sequence and the target signal belong to a same message MSGA, and the RNTI is an MSGB-RNTI (Wei, in Fig. 1C and in Paragraph [0079], teaches that the 2-step CBRA procedure lO0C may include transmission of a Message A (MSGA) and reception of a Message B (MSGB). The transmission of the MSGA may include transmission of a random access preamble transmission (the first characteristic sequence) on a PRACH (action 150) and a payload transmission (the target signal) on a PUSCH (action 152). In Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], Wei teaches that the first C-RNTI (the first identification) is the same as the C-RNTI used by the UE for PDCCH monitoring, the UE may successfully decode the DCI 412B and then perform UL transmission on the PUSCH 414B. If the second C-RNTI (the second identification) is the same as the C-RNTI used by the UE for PDCCH monitoring, the UE may successfully decode the DCI 422B and then receive the PDSCH424B, which may include an RAR. In one implementation, the PDSCH 424B may include an absolute timing advance command (TAC) MAC CE (e.g., 12 bits). DCI 432B with CRC bits scrambled by a MSGB-RNTI (the third identification) schedules a MSGB 434B on a PDSCH. If the MSGB-RNTI is associated with the PRACH occasion in which the RA preamble is transmitted by the UE, the UE may successfully decode the DCI 432B and then receive the MSGB 434B, which may include an RAR. Therefore, it is clear that since the third identification is used for the CRC, the MSGB-RNTI is the third identification.
Regarding claim 3, combination of Wei and Yang teaches the features defined in the claims 1, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Wei further teaches that wherein the first transceiver is further configured to receive a third signal after the first characteristic sequence is transmitted and before the target signal is transmitted, wherein the first characteristic sequence is used to trigger the third signal, and the third signal indicates the RNTI (Wei, in Fig. 2B and in Paragraphs [0096] and [0100], teaches that in action 212B in Fig. 2B, the UE performs MSGA RA preamble transmission. The UE may select an RA preamble (the first characteristic sequence) randomly with equal probability from the 2-step RA preambles associated with the selected SSB. The UE may perform corresponding preamble transmission by using the selected PRACH occasion as the first part of MSGA transmission. If 4-step RA procedure is performed, as described in Fig. 1A and in Paragraph [0077], in action 134 in Fig. 1A, the BS transmits a RA Response (RAR), referred to as MSG2 (third signal), indicating reception of the preamble a time-alignment command. Afterward, the UE may compute a MSGB-RNTI (third identification) associated with the PRACH occasion in which the RA preamble is transmitted. The MAC entity of the UE may instruct the PHY layer to transmit the PUSCH (the target signal) 320A/320B using the corresponding MSGB-RNTI as the second part of the MSGA transmission (action 212B being the first part of the MSGA transmission). TB for the PUSCH 320A/320B transmission may be with CRC bits scrambled by the MSGB-RNTI. The preamble 310A/310B is identified by an RA-RNTI, whereas the PUSCH 320A/320B is identified by the MSGB-RNTI. In action 214B in Fig. 2B, the UE performs MSGA PUSCH transmission based on the MSGB-RNTI. Implementations of the MSGA PUSCH (e.g., payload of the MSGA) are illustrated in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B. Therefore, it is clear that the first transceiver receives a third signal (MSG2) after the first characteristic sequence (RA preamble) is transmitted and before the target signal (a payload of PUSCH) is transmitted; the first characteristic sequence is used to trigger the third signal (RAR) and the third signal indicates the RNTI (MSGB-RNTI).)
Regarding claim 4, combination of Wei and Yang teaches the features defined in the claims 1, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Wei further teaches that wherein the first C-RNTI is configured by a first cell, the second C-RNTI and the RNTI are configured by a second cell, the first cell being different from the second cell, (Wei, in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], teaches FIG. 4B illustrates a process 400B of MSGB (the first signal) reception when payload of MSGA (the target signal) includes a C-RNTI MAC CE. The UE may monitor PDCCHs (including PDCCH 410B, PDCCH 420B, PDCCH 430B) for an RAR identified by the MSGB-RNTI and monitor the PDCCHs for an RAR identified by the C-RNTI within the MSGB window. The second C-RNTI may be the same as the first C-RNTI if both the DCI 412B and the DCI 422B schedule data transmission for the same UE. If the first C-RNTI (the first identification) is the same as the C-RNTI used by the UE for PDCCH monitoring, the UE may successfully decode the DCI 412B and then perform UL transmission on the PUSCH 414B. If the second C-RNTI (the second identification) is the same as the C-RNTI used by the UE for PDCCH monitoring, the UE may successfully decode the DCI 422B and then receive the PDSCH424B, which may include an RAR. In one implementation, the PDSCH 424B may include an absolute timing advance command (TAC) MAC CE (e.g., 12 bits). DCI 432B with CRC bits scrambled by a MSGB-RNTI (third identification) schedules a MSGB 434B on a PDSCH. Further, in Paragraphs [0057] and [0067], Wei teaches that when CA (Carrier Aggregation) is configured, the same C-RNTI may apply to all serving cell, where the serving cell denotes the set of cells comprising of the Special Cell (SpCell, can be PCell (Primary Cell) or PSCell (Primary Secondary Cell)) and all secondary cells. By applying the configuration of Fig. 4B, for UE in the RRC_CONNECTED state configured with CA, the first C-RNTI is configured by the PCell (SpCell) and the second C-RNTI is configured by the secondary cell. Therefore, the first C-RNTI is configured by a first cell (PCell), the second C-RNTI and the RNTI (MSGB-RNTI) are configured by a second cell (secondary cell), where the first cell being different from the second cell.)
Wei does not explicitly teaches that a first radio resource is used to determine a first reference signal resource, one of the first radio resource comprises at least one of a time-domain resource occupied by the first characteristic sequence, a frequency-domain resource occupied by the first characteristic sequence or a preamble index of the first characteristic sequence, or, the target signal comprises a first information element, the first information element in the target signal being used to indicate a first reference signal resource, and the first reference signal resource is maintained by the second cell.
Yang teaches that a first radio resource is used to determine a first reference signal resource, one of the first radio resource comprises at least one of a time-domain resource occupied by the first characteristic sequence, a frequency-domain resource occupied by the first characteristic sequence or a preamble index of the first characteristic sequence, or, (Yang, in Paragraphs [0119]-[0123] and [0124]-[0126], teaches that the PUSCH part of MSGA in 2-step RA procedure is configured based on a combination of {SCID +DMRS, ULRA}. One ULRA (UL resource, the first radio resource) is may be configured to correspond to one RO (RACH Occasion) and a different combination of SCID+DMRS may correspond to each PI (RA Preamble Index) with respect to a pair of {RO, ULRA}. In Paragraph [0129], Wei teaches that a different ULRA may correspond to each PI group in one RO. ULRA represents a UL (time/frequency) resource used to transmit the PUSCH part. The ULRA may be identified/distinguished by a ULRA resource index. A resource index may be divided into a time resource index and a frequency resource index. Therefore, it is clear that a first radio resource (ULRA) is used to determine a first reference signal resource (DMRS), the first radio resource comprising a time-domain resource and/or a frequency-domain resource indicated by the first characteristic sequence (RA preamble) or a preamble index of the first characteristic sequence (RA Preamble Index).) the target signal comprises a first information element, the first information element in the target signal being used to indicate a first reference signal resource, and the first reference signal resource is maintained by the second cell (Yang, in Paragraphs [0119]-[0123] and [0124]-[0126], teaches that the target signal is the PUSCH part of MSGA in 2-step RA procedure based on a combination of {SCID+DMRS, ULRA} (the first information). One ULRA (the first reference signal resource) may configured to correspond to one RO (RACH Occasion) and a different combination of SCID+DMRS may correspond to each PI (RA preamble Index) with respect a pair of {RO, ULRA}. SCID (Scrambling ID) is seed used for data scrambling of PUSCH part. The PUSCH part includes a RRC connection request, a buffer status report, and/or a contention resolution ID. DMRS (Demodulation Reference Signal: the first reference signal) is RS (Reference Signal) used for demodulation of the PUSCH part that is distinguished by a sequence, a cyclic shift, an orthogonal cover code, and/or SCID. ULRA (UL resource) represents a UL (time/frequency resource) used to transmit the PUSCH part and it may be identified by a ULRA index, that is divided into a time resource index and a frequency resource index. As described in Paragraph [0137], MSGB (or a PDSCH carrying MSGB) may indicate which of a plurality of combination of SCID+DMRS or a plurality of combination of {SCID+DMRS, ULRA} linked to one specific PI is the basis for a RACH response to PUSCH part transmission. The combination information can be maintained for the second cell, since using by MSGB. Therefore, the target signal comprises a first information element that is used to indicate a first reference signal resource, where the first reference signal resource is maintained by the second cell.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Wei and Yang to include the technique of a first radio resource is used to determine a first reference signal resource, one of the first radio resource comprises at least one of a time-domain resource occupied by the first characteristic sequence, a frequency-domain resource occupied by the first characteristic sequence or a preamble index of the first characteristic sequence, or, the target signal comprises a first information element, the first information element in the target signal being used to indicate a first reference signal resource, and the first reference signal resource is maintained by the second cell of Yang in the system of Wei to provide a method of efficiently transmitting/receiving control information in a wireless communication not only to support a larger communication capacity for mobile broadband communication but also to reduce the sensitivity to reliability and latency on the services or UEs for the new radio (Yang, see Paragraphs [0003] and [0033]).).
Regarding claim 7, combination of Wei and Yang teaches the features defined in the claims 1, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Wei further teaches that wherein the action of demodulating a first signal comprises attempting to recover a first MAC Protocol Data Unit (PDU), the first MAC PDU comprising the first C-RNTI and the second C-RNTI; only when the first MAC PDU is recovered will it be determined that a RA procedure to which the first characteristic sequence belongs is successful (Wei, in Fig. 2, 4A and 4B, in Paragraphs [0106]-[0107] and in Table 1, teaches that in action 218B in Fig. 2, a MSGB (the first signal) is received, the UE performs contention resolution according to one or more MAC subPDU contained in the MAC PDU of the MSGB. In a case where the MSGA (preamble transmission and payload transmission of PUSCH) transmission with payload on PUSCH includes a C-RNTI MAC CE, the MSGB may either be indicated by a downlink assignment received on the PDCCH identified by the MSGB-RNTI or C-RNTI. In a case where the MSGA transmission with payload on PUSCH includes MAC SDU from CCCH, the MSGB may only be indicated by a downlink assignment received on the PDCCH identified by the MSGB-RNTI. For a UE that includes the C-RNTI MAC CE in the MSGA transmission, the condition of contention resolution may be different depending on whether the UE has a valid timing advance value or not (time alignment timer is running or not). For example, the condition of contention resolution for a UE that has a valid timing advance value may be that a PDCCH is received and the PDCCH is addressed to the C-RNTI and contains a UL grant for a new transmission. Namely, in Table 1, if a downlink assignment has been received on the PDCCH for the C-RNTI and the received TB (Transport Block) is successfully decoded and if the MAC PDU contains the Absolute Timing Advance Command MAC CE, this Random Access Response reception (MSGB) is considered as being successful and this Random Access procedure is considered as successfully being completed, where the Ramdom Access procedure indicates (MSGA + MSGB). Another example can be found in Fig. 6 and in Paragraphs [0122]-[0127]. Therefore, it is clear that when demodulating a first signal according to a first MAC PDU, where the first MAC PDU comprising the first identifier (C-RNTI) and the second identifier (MSGB-RNTI), is successfully decoded or the first MAC PUD is recovered, it will be determined that a RA procedure to which the first characteristic sequence belongs is successful.).
Regarding claim 9, combination of Wei and Yang teaches the features defined in the claims 1, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Yang further teaches that wherein the target signal and the first signal belong to a same RA procedure (Yang, in Paragraphs [0114]-[0137], teaches that a MSGA signal/index may be configured (e.g., by TDM (Time Division Multiplex)/FDM (Frequency Division Multiplex)) in the form of combining (1) the RACH preamble (the first characteristic sequence) based on a combination of {RO (RACH Occasion), PI (RACH Preamble Index)} and (2) the PUSCH part (the target signal) based on a combination of {SCID+ DMRS, ULRA}, where SCID (Scrambling ID), DMRS(Demodulation Reference Signal), and ULRA (Uplink Resource) are defined in Paragraph [0120]-[0122], respectively. One ULRA or a plurality of ULRAs may be configured to correspond to one RO (RACH Occasion) and a different ULRA may correspond to each PI or PI group in one RO. A different combination of SCID+DMRS may configured to each PI (RACH preamble index) with respect to a pair of {RO, ULRA} and may determined based on a PI value (in the PI group) or on a function value of PI value. Basically, one or a plurality of combination(s) of SCID+DMRS or one or a plurality of combination(s) of {SCID+DMRS, ULRA} may be configured to correspond to one PI. Then, for MSGB or a PDSCH carrying MSGB (the first signal) may indicate which of a plurality of combinations of SCID+DMRS or a plurality of combinations of {SCID+DMRS, ULRA}, linked to one specific PI, is the basis for RACH response to PUSCH part transmission (the target signal) (namely, MSGA transmission with RACH preamble). Therefore, it is clear that the target signal and the first signal belong to a same RA procedure, since both are corresponding to the same PI.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Wei and Yang to include the technique of wherein the target signal and the first signal belong to a same RA procedure of Yang in the system of Wei to provide a method of efficiently transmitting/receiving control information in a wireless communication not only to support a larger communication capacity for mobile broadband communication but also to reduce the sensitivity to reliability and latency on the services or UEs for the new radio (Yang, see Paragraphs [0003] and [0033]).).
Regarding claim 11, Wei teaches that a base station comprising: a transceiver, receive, on a random access (RA)-related channel, a first characteristic sequence and a target signal comprising a first Cell-Radio Network Temporary Identity (C-RNTI), (Wei, in Fig. 2B, 3A, and 3B and in Paragraphs [0096]-[0097], teaches that in Fig. 2B and in Paragraphs [0096]-[0097], teaches that action 212B and action 214B represents MSGA (message A) transmission for the 2-step Random Access procedure. In action 214B, UE performs MSGA RA (Random Access) preamble transmission (the first characteristic sequence) and it is received by the base station, where the RA preamble is selected randomly from the 2-Step RA preambles associated with the selected SSB (Synchronization Signal Block) and the corresponding RA preamble is transmitted by UE using the selected PRACH occasion as the first part of the MSGA transmission from the UE. After the preamble transmission of MSGA from the UE, in action 214B, MAGA PUSCH (a payload of the MSGA: the target signal) transmission is performed by UE and received by the base station, where the MSGA PUSCH comprises a C-RNTI MAC CE as shown in Fig. 3B. The detail description is found in Paragraph [0099]. Therefore, it is clear that the base station receives a first characteristic sequence (RA preamble of MSGA) first and after completion of the preamble transmission, a target signal (PUSCH payload of MSGA: including a C-RNTI MAC CE) is transmitted in order, during the 2-step RA procedure.) transmitting, within a first time window related to a time-domain resource occupied by the target signal, a first signaling that comprises configuration information for a first signal and Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) bits scrambled using an RNTI different from the first C-RNTI, (Wei, in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], teaches that Fig. 4B illustrates a process 400B of MSGB (the first signal) transmission when payload of MSGA (PUSCH: the target signal) includes a C-RNTI MAC CE (the first C-RNTI), where the UE may additionally monitor PDCCH for an RAR (Random Access Response) identified by the C-RNTI (the first C-RNTI) within the MSGB window (the first time window). The UE monitors PDCCHs (including PDCCH 410B, PDCCH 420B, PDCCH 430B) for an RAR identified by the MSGB-RNTI and monitor the PDCCHs for an RAR (MSGB: the first signal) identified by the C-RNTI within the MSGB window. For example, DCI (Downlink Control Information: the first signaling) 412B with CRC bits scrambled by a first C-RNTI includes a UL grant that schedules a PUSCH 414B (the target signal), resulting that the first time window (the MSGB window) is related to the time-domain resources of PUSCH (the target signal) indicated by DCI 412B. DCI 422B with CRC bits scrambled by a second C-RNTI includes a DL assignment that schedules a PDSCH 424B. Therefore, the first time window (the MSGB window) can be start after transmission of the target signal (PUSCH payload of MSGA that include C-RNTI MAC CE) as described in Paragraph [0102] and in the first time window, the UE (the first receiver) monitor the first signaling (PDCCHs). The first signaling comprises the configuration information (DCIs) for the MSGB (the first signal) with CRC bits scrambled by the first C-RNTI or the second C-RNTI, where the second C-RNTI may be either same as or different from the first C-RNTI.) wherein the configuration information defines a time-frequency resource set occupied by the first signal, and (Wei, in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], teaches that as described in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], the configuration information, DCIs, received in MSGB window (the first time window) as MSGB signal (RAR) includes the indications for either UL grant that schedules a PUSCH or a DL assignment that schedules a PDSCH.) the target signal is used to trigger the first signal, and (Wei, in Fig. 2B and in Paragraph [0102], teaches that the MSGB window (the first time window) is started by UE after the transmission of PUSCH payload of MSGA (the target signal) with/without the timing offset as described in Fig. 2B and in Paragraph [0102]. The MSGB time window is started from the beginning of the first symbol of the upcoming PDCCH (MSGB signal: the first signal) after the transmission of PUSCH payload of MSGA with/without a timing offset. Therefore, the targe signal (PUSCH payload of MSGA) is used to trigger the first signal (MSGB signal).) based on detection of the first signal, demodulate the first signal, wherein the first signal comprises the first C-RNTI and a second C-RNTI, (Wei, in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], teaches that as described in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], the UE may monitor PDCCHs (including PDCCH 410B, PDCCH 420B, PDCCH 430B) for an RAR identified by the MSGB-RNTI and monitor the PDCCHs for an RAR identified by the C-RNTI within the MSGB window. Here, the MSGB signal (RAR), as shown in Fig. 4B, includes the first C-RNTI and the second C-RNTI. As described earlier, DCI 412B with CRC bits scrambled by a first C-RNTI includes a UL grant that schedules a PUSCH 414B. DCI 422B with CRC bits scrambled by a second C-RNTI includes a DL assignment that schedules a PDSCH 424B. If the first C-RNTI is the same as the C-RNTI used by the UE for PDCCH monitoring, the UE may successfully decode the DCI 412B and then perform UL transmission on the PUSCH 414B. If the second C-RNTI is the same as the C-RNTI used by the UE for PDCCH monitoring, the UE may successfully decode the DCI 422B and then receive the PDSCH 424B, which may include an RAR. In one implementation, the PDSCH 424B may include an absolute timing advance command (TAC) MAC CE (e.g., 12 bits). DCI 432B with CRC bits scrambled by a MSGB-RNTI schedules a MSGB 434B on a PDSCH. Therefore, based on detection of the first signal (MSGB signal (RAR) including DCIs), demodulate the first signal, wherein the first signal comprises the first C-RNTI and a second C-RNTI.)
Wei does not explicitly teach that wherein a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence.
Yang teaches that wherein a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence; (Yang, in Paragraph [0115], teaches that the MSGA signal may be configured in a combination of a RACH preamble (the first characteristic sequence) and a PUSCH part (payload of MSGA: the target signal). The RACH preamble and the PUSCH part may be combined by TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) or FDM (Frequency Division Multiplexing). Namely, by TDM, the RA preamble is transmitted first and after its completion, the PUSCH payload of MSGA is transmitted. Further, by FDM, the RA preamble and the PUSCH payload of MSGA can be transmitted at the same time by using different frequency bands. Therefore, it is clear that the transmission of the target signal (the PUSCH payload of MSGA) is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence (RA preamble).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Wei and Yang to include the technique of a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence of Yang in the system of Wei to provide a method of efficiently transmitting/receiving control information in a wireless communication not only to support a larger communication capacity for mobile broadband communication but also to reduce the sensitivity to reliability and latency on the services or UEs for the new radio (Yang, see Paragraphs [0003] and [0033]).).
Regarding claim 12, combination of Wei and Yang teaches the features defined in the claims 11, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Wei further teaches that wherein the first characteristic sequence and the target signal belong to a same message MSGA, and the RNTI is an MSGB-RNTI (Wei, in Fig. 1C and in Paragraph [0079], teaches that the 2-step CBRA procedure lO0C may include transmission of a Message A (MSGA) and reception of a Message B (MSGB). The transmission of the MSGA may include transmission of a random access preamble transmission (the first characteristic sequence) on a PRACH (action 150) and a payload transmission (the target signal) on a PUSCH (action 152). In Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], Wei teaches that the first C-RNTI (the first identification) is the same as the C-RNTI used by the UE for PDCCH monitoring, the UE may successfully decode the DCI 412B and then perform UL transmission on the PUSCH 414B. If the second C-RNTI (the second identification) is the same as the C-RNTI used by the UE for PDCCH monitoring, the UE may successfully decode the DCI 422B and then receive the PDSCH424B, which may include an RAR. In one implementation, the PDSCH 424B may include an absolute timing advance command (TAC) MAC CE (e.g., 12 bits). DCI 432B with CRC bits scrambled by a MSGB-RNTI (the third identification) schedules a MSGB 434B on a PDSCH. If the MSGB-RNTI is associated with the PRACH occasion in which the RA preamble is transmitted by the UE, the UE may successfully decode the DCI 432B and then receive the MSGB 434B, which may include an RAR. Therefore, it is clear that since the third identification is used for the CRC, the MSGB-RNTI is the third identification.).
Regarding claim 13, combination of Wei and Yang teaches the features defined in the claims 11, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Wei further teaches that wherein the transceiver is further configured to transmit a third signal after the first characteristic sequence is received and before the target signal is received, wherein the first characteristic sequence is used to trigger the third signal, and the third signal indicates the RNTI (Wei, in Fig. 2B and in Paragraphs [0096] and [0100], teaches that in action 212B in Fig. 2B, the UE performs MSGA RA preamble transmission. The UE may select an RA preamble (the first characteristic sequence) randomly with equal probability from the 2-step RA preambles associated with the selected SSB. The UE may perform corresponding preamble transmission to the base station (the second transceiver) by using the selected PRACH occasion as the first part of MSGA transmission. If 4-step RA procedure is performed, as described in Fig. 1A and in Paragraph [0077], in action 134 in Fig. 1A, the BS (the second transceiver) transmits a RA Response (RAR), referred to as MSG2 (third signal), indicating reception of the preamble a time-alignment command. Afterward, the UE may compute a MSGB-RNTI (third identification) associated with the PRACH occasion in which the RA preamble is transmitted. The MAC entity of the UE may instruct the PHY layer to transmit to the BS the PUSCH (the target signal) 320A/320B using the corresponding MSGB-RNTI as the second part of the MSGA transmission (action 212B being the first part of the MSGA transmission). TB for the PUSCH 320A/320B transmission may be with CRC bits scrambled by the MSGB-RNTI. The preamble 310A/310B is identified by an RA-RNTI, whereas the PUSCH 320A/320B is identified by the MSGB-RNTI. In action 214B in Fig. 2B, the UE performs MSGA PUSCH transmission based on the MSGB-RNTI. Implementations of the MSGA PUSCH (e.g., payload of the MSGA) are illustrated in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B. Therefore, it is clear that the second transceiver transmits a third signal (MSG2) after the first characteristic sequence (RA preamble) is received by the BS and before the target signal (a payload of PUSCH) is received by the second transceiver; the first characteristic sequence is used to trigger the third signal (RAR) and the third signal indicating the third identifier (MSGB-RNTI).)
Regarding claim 14, combination of Wei and Yang teaches the features defined in the claims 11, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Wei further teaches that wherein the first C-RNTI is configured by a first cell, the second C-RNTI and the RNTI are configured by a second cell, the first cell being different from the second cell, (Wei, in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], teaches FIG. 4B illustrates a process 400B of MSGB (the first signal) reception when payload of MSGA (the target signal) includes a C-RNTI MAC CE. The UE may monitor PDCCHs (including PDCCH 410B, PDCCH 420B, PDCCH 430B) for an RAR identified by the MSGB-RNTI and monitor the PDCCHs for an RAR identified by the C-RNTI within the MSGB window. The second C-RNTI may be the same as the first C-RNTI if both the DCI 412B and the DCI 422B schedule data transmission for the same UE. If the first C-RNTI (the first identification) is the same as the C-RNTI used by the UE for PDCCH monitoring, the UE may successfully decode the DCI 412B and then perform UL transmission on the PUSCH 414B. If the second C-RNTI (the second identification) is the same as the C-RNTI used by the UE for PDCCH monitoring, the UE may successfully decode the DCI 422B and then receive the PDSCH424B, which may include an RAR. In one implementation, the PDSCH 424B may include an absolute timing advance command (TAC) MAC CE (e.g., 12 bits). DCI 432B with CRC bits scrambled by a MSGB-RNTI (third identification) schedules a MSGB 434B on a PDSCH. Further, in Paragraphs [0057] and [0067], Wei teaches that when CA (Carrier Aggregation) is configured, the same C-RNTI may apply to all serving cell, where the serving cell denotes the set of cells comprising of the Special Cell (SpCell, can be PCell (Primary Cell) or PSCell (Primary Secondary Cell)) and all secondary cells. By applying the configuration of Fig. 4B, for UE in the RRC_CONNECTED state configured with CA, the first C-RNTI is configured by the PCell (SpCell) and the second C-RNTI is configured by the secondary cell. Therefore, the first C-RNTI is configured by a first cell (PCell), the second C-RNTI and the RNTI (MSGB-RNTI) are configured by a second cell (secondary cell), where the first cell being different from the second cell.)
Wei does not explicitly teaches that a first radio resource is used to determine a first reference signal resource, one of the first radio resource comprises at least one of a time-domain resource occupied by the first characteristic sequence, a frequency-domain resource occupied by the first characteristic sequence or a preamble index of the first characteristic sequence, or, the target signal comprises a first information element, the first information element in the target signal being used to indicate a first reference signal resource, and the first reference signal resource is maintained by the second cell.
Yang teaches that a first radio resource is used to determine a first reference signal resource, one of the first radio resource comprises at least one of a time-domain resource occupied by the first characteristic sequence, a frequency-domain resource occupied by the first characteristic sequence or a preamble index of the first characteristic sequence, or, (Yang, in Paragraphs [0119]-[0123] and [0124]-[0126], teaches that the PUSCH part of MSGA in 2-step RA procedure is configured based on a combination of {SCID +DMRS, ULRA}. One ULRA (UL resource, the first radio resource) is may be configured to correspond to one RO (RACH Occasion) and a different combination of SCID+DMRS may correspond to each PI (RA Preamble Index) with respect to a pair of {RO, ULRA}. In Paragraph [0129], Wei teaches that a different ULRA may correspond to each PI group in one RO. ULRA represents a UL (time/frequency) resource used to transmit the PUSCH part. The ULRA may be identified/distinguished by a ULRA resource index. A resource index may be divided into a time resource index and a frequency resource index. Therefore, it is clear that a first radio resource (ULRA) is used to determine a first reference signal resource (DMRS), the first radio resource comprising a time-domain resource and/or a frequency-domain resource indicated by the first characteristic sequence (RA preamble) or a preamble index of the first characteristic sequence (RA Preamble Index).) the target signal comprises a first information element, the first information element in the target signal being used to indicate a first reference signal resource, and the first reference signal resource is maintained by the second cell (Yang, in Paragraphs [0119]-[0123] and [0124]-[0126], teaches that the target signal is the PUSCH part of MSGA in 2-step RA procedure based on a combination of {SCID+DMRS, ULRA} (the first information). One ULRA (the first reference signal resource) may configured to correspond to one RO (RACH Occasion) and a different combination of SCID+DMRS may correspond to each PI (RA preamble Index) with respect a pair of {RO, ULRA}. SCID (Scrambling ID) is seed used for data scrambling of PUSCH part. The PUSCH part includes a RRC connection request, a buffer status report, and/or a contention resolution ID. DMRS (Demodulation Reference Signal: the first reference signal) is RS (Reference Signal) used for demodulation of the PUSCH part that is distinguished by a sequence, a cyclic shift, an orthogonal cover code, and/or SCID. ULRA (UL resource) represents a UL (time/frequency resource) used to transmit the PUSCH part and it may be identified by a ULRA index, that is divided into a time resource index and a frequency resource index. As described in Paragraph [0137], MSGB (or a PDSCH carrying MSGB) may indicate which of a plurality of combination of SCID+DMRS or a plurality of combination of {SCID+DMRS, ULRA} linked to one specific PI is the basis for a RACH response to PUSCH part transmission. The combination information can be maintained for the second cell, since using by MSGB. Therefore, the target signal comprises a first information element that is used to indicate a first reference signal resource, where the first reference signal resource is maintained by the second cell.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Wei and Yang to include the technique of a first radio resource is used to determine a first reference signal resource, one of the first radio resource comprises at least one of a time-domain resource occupied by the first characteristic sequence, a frequency-domain resource occupied by the first characteristic sequence or a preamble index of the first characteristic sequence, or, the target signal comprises a first information element, the first information element in the target signal being used to indicate a first reference signal resource, and the first reference signal resource is maintained by the second cell of Yang in the system of Wei to provide a method of efficiently transmitting/receiving control information in a wireless communication not only to support a larger communication capacity for mobile broadband communication but also to reduce the sensitivity to reliability and latency on the services or UEs for the new radio (Yang, see Paragraphs [0003] and [0033]).).
Regarding claim 17, combination of Wei and Yang teaches the features defined in the claims 11, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Wei further teaches that wherein the transceiver is further configured to determine that the first RNTI is occupied, (Wei, in Fig. 3B and in Paragraph [0099], teaches that FIG. 3B illustrates a MSGA 300B including a payload including a C-RNTI (the first identifier) MAC CE. The MAC entity of the UE may indicate to the M&A entity to include a C-RNTI MAC CE 326B in the subsequent UL transmission (e.g., a PUSCH 320B associated with a preamble 310B) if the PUSCH 320B transmission is not being made for the CCCH logical channel (for example, the RA is triggered for beam failure recovery or the RA is triggered for RRC connection resume procedure). The PUSCH 320B may be associated with the preamble 310B and the PRACH occasion. The MSGA 300B includes preamble 310B and PUSCH 320B (payload of the MSGA 300B) including a subPDU 322B. The subPDU 322B includes a subheader 324B and a C-RNTI MAC CE 326B. In one implementation the UE is in an RRC_CONNECTED state. Because the C-RNTI is UE specific, by including C-RNTI MAC CE in the MSGA 300B, the BS (the second transceiver) can identify the UE performing the RA procedure based on the received MSGA 300B. The BS can then schedule data transmission with the identified UE using the C-RNTI. Therefore, it is clear that the second transceiver determines that the first identifier is occupied.) transmit a second signaling and a second signal in a second time window, CRC comprised in the second signaling is scrambled by the C-RNTI, (Wei, in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], teaches that FIG. 4B illustrates a process 400B of MSGB (the second signal) reception from the second transceiver when payload of MSGA includes a C-RNTI MAC CE. In this implementation the MSGA transmission has a payload on PUSCH including a C-RNTI MAC CE, the UE (the first transceiver) may additionally monitor PDCCH for an RAR (RA Response) identified by the C-RNTI within the MSGB window. The UE may monitor PDCCHs (including PDCCH 410B, PDCCH 420B, PDCCH 430B) for an RAR identified by the MSGB-RNTI and monitor the PDCCHs for an RAR identified by the C-RNTI (the first identifier) within the MSGB window. For example, DCI 412B with CRC bits scrambled by a first C-RNTI includes a UL grant that schedules a PUSCH 414B. DCI 422B with CRC bits scrambled by a second C-RNTI includes a DL assignment that schedules a PDSCH 424B. The second C-RNTI may be the same as the first C-RNTI if both the DCI 412B and the DCI 422B schedule data transmission for the same UE. Therefore, it is clear that the second transceiver transmits a second signaling and a second signal in a second time window and CRC comprised in the second signaling is scrambled by the first identifier.) the target signal is used to trigger the second signal (Wei, in Fig 2B and in Paragraph [0102], teaches that in FIG. 2B, in action 216B, the UE performs MSGB PDSCH reception. Once the MSGA (the first characteristic sequence (RACH preamble) and the target signal (the payload of PUSCH) is transmitted, the UE may start a MSGB (the second signal) window (e.g., msgB-Response Window). In one implementation, the MSGB window may be started from the beginning of the first symbol of the upcoming PDCCH after the MSGA transmission. In another implementation, the MSGB window may be started from the beginning of the first symbol of the upcoming PDCCH after the MSGA transmission plus a timing offset. The timing offset may be predefined in the technical specification and/or preconfigured by the gNB on a per BWP/serving cell basis, but is not limited thereto. Therefore, it is clear that the target signal is used to trigger the second signal.)
Wei does not explicitly teach that the second signaling comprises configuration information of the second signal, the configuration information comprising a time-frequency resource set occupied by the second signal.
Yang teaches that the second signaling comprises configuration information of the second signal, the configuration information comprising a time-frequency resource set occupied by the second signal (Yang, in Paragraphs [0115]-[0137], teaches that a MsgA signal/index may be configured (e.g., by TDM/FDM) in the form of combining (1) the RACH preamble based on a combination of {RO (RACH Occasion), PI(RACH Preamble Index)} and (2) the PUSCH part based on a combination of {SCID+DMRS, ULRA}, where SCID is the scrambling ID is a seed used for data scrambling of PUSCH part that indicate C-RNTI, DMRS (Demodulation RS) is the RS used for demodulation of the PUSCH part, and ULRA is the Uplink(UL) resource that represents a UL time/frequency resource used to transmit the PUSCH part and identified/distinguished by a ULRA index, where the index may divided into a time resource index and a frequency resource index. The PUSCH part is configured by the combination of SCID DMRS or the combination of {SCID+DMRS, ULRA} corresponding to one PI (that is belong to one RO). According to this configuration, the MSGB (the second signaling or the second signal) or a PDSCH carrying MSGB may indicate which of a plurality of combinations of SCID+DMRS or {SCID+DMRS, ULRA}, linked to one specific PI, is the basis for a RACH response to PUSCH part transmission. Therefore, it is clear that the second signaling comprises configuration information of the second signal including a time-frequency resource set occupied by the second signal.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Wei and Yang to include the technique of the second signaling comprises configuration information of the second signal, the configuration information comprising a time-frequency resource set occupied by the second signal of Yang in the system of Wei to provide a method of efficiently transmitting/receiving control information in a wireless communication not only to support a larger communication capacity for mobile broadband communication but also to reduce the sensitivity to reliability and latency on the services or UEs for the new radio (Yang, see Paragraphs [0003] and [0033]).).
Regarding claim 19, combination of Wei and Yang teaches the features defined in the claims 11, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Yang further teaches that wherein the target signal and the first signal belong to a same RA procedure (Yang, in Paragraphs [0114]-[0137], teaches that a MSGA signal/index may be configured (e.g., by TDM (Time Division Multiplex)/FDM (Frequency Division Multiplex)) in the form of combining (1) the RACH preamble (the first characteristic sequence) based on a combination of {RO (RACH Occasion), PI (RACH Preamble Index)} and (2) the PUSCH part (the target signal) based on a combination of {SCID+ DMRS, ULRA}, where SCID (Scrambling ID), DMRS(Demodulation Reference Signal), and ULRA (Uplink Resource) are defined in Paragraph [0120]-[0122], respectively. One ULRA or a plurality of ULRAs may be configured to correspond to one RO (RACH Occasion) and a different ULRA may correspond to each PI or PI group in one RO. A different combination of SCID+DMRS may configured to each PI (RACH preamble index) with respect to a pair of {RO, ULRA} and may determined based on a PI value (in the PI group) or on a function value of PI value. Basically, one or a plurality of combination(s) of SCID+DMRS or one or a plurality of combination(s) of {SCID+DMRS, ULRA} may be configured to correspond to one PI. Then, for MSGB or a PDSCH carrying MSGB (the first signal) may indicate which of a plurality of combinations of SCID+DMRS or a plurality of combinations of {SCID+DMRS, ULRA}, linked to one specific PI, is the basis for RACH response to PUSCH part transmission (the target signal) (namely, MSGA transmission with RACH preamble). Therefore, it is clear that the target signal and the first signal belong to a same RA procedure, since both are corresponding to the same PI.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Wei and Yang to include the technique of wherein the target signal and the first signal belong to a same RA procedure of Yang in the system of Wei to provide a method of efficiently transmitting/receiving control information in a wireless communication not only to support a larger communication capacity for mobile broadband communication but also to reduce the sensitivity to reliability and latency on the services or UEs for the new radio (Yang, see Paragraphs [0003] and [0033]).).
Regarding claim 20, Wei teaches that a method for wireless communications, implemented in a wireless handset, the method comprising: transmitting, on a random access (RA)-related channel, a first characteristic sequence and a target signal comprising a first Cell-Radio Network Temporary Identity (C-RNTI), (Wei, in Fig. 2B, 3A, and 3B and in Paragraphs [0096]-[0097], teaches that in Fig. 2B and in Paragraphs [0096]-[0097], teaches that action 212B and action 214B represents MSGA (message A) transmission for the 2-step Random Access procedure. In action 214B, UE performs MSGA RA (Random Access) preamble transmission (the first characteristic sequence), where the RA preamble is selected randomly from the 2-Step RA preambles associated with the selected SSB (Synchronization Signal Block) and the corresponding RA preamble is transmitted by UE using the selected PRACH occasion as the first part of the MSGA transmission. After the preamble transmission of MSGA from the UE, in action 214B, MAGA PUSCH (a payload of the MSGA: the target signal) transmission is performed by UE, where the MSGA PUSCH comprises a C-RNTI MAC CE as shown in Fig. 3B. The detail description is found in Paragraph [0099]. Therefore, it is clear that the base station receives a first characteristic sequence (RA preamble of MSGA) first and after completion of the preamble transmission, a target signal (PUSCH payload of MSGA: including a C-RNTI MAC CE) is transmitted in order, during the 2-step RA procedure.) monitoring, within a first time window related to a time-domain resource occupied by the target signal, a first signaling that comprises configuration information for a first signal and Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) bits scrambled using an RNTI different from the first C-RNTI, (Wei, in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], teaches that Fig. 4B illustrates a process 400B of MSGB (the first signal) reception when payload of MSGA (PUSCH: the target signal) includes a C-RNTI MAC CE (the first C-RNTI), where the UE may additionally monitor PDCCH for an RAR (Random Access Response) identified by the C-RNTI (the first C-RNTI) within the MSGB window (the first time window). The UE monitors PDCCHs (including PDCCH 410B, PDCCH 420B, PDCCH 430B) for an RAR identified by the MSGB-RNTI and monitor the PDCCHs for an RAR (MSGB: the first signal) identified by the C-RNTI within the MSGB window. For example, DCI (Downlink Control Information: the first signaling) 412B with CRC bits scrambled by a first C-RNTI includes a UL grant that schedules a PUSCH 414B (the target signal), resulting that the first time window (the MSGB window) is related to the time-domain resources of PUSCH (the target signal) indicated by DCI 412B. DCI 422B with CRC bits scrambled by a second C-RNTI includes a DL assignment that schedules a PDSCH 424B. Therefore, the first time window (the MSGB window) can be start after transmission of the target signal (PUSCH payload of MSGA that include C-RNTI MAC CE) as described in Paragraph [0102] and in the first time window, the UE (the first receiver) monitor the first signaling (PDCCHs). The first signaling comprises the configuration information (DCIs) for the MSGB (the first signal) with CRC bits scrambled by the first C-RNTI or the second C-RNTI, where the second C-RNTI may be either same as or different from the first C-RNTI.) wherein the configuration information defines a time-frequency resource set occupied by the first signal, and (Wei, in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], teaches that as described in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], the configuration information, DCIs, received in MSGB window (the first time window) as MSGB signal (RAR) includes the indications for either UL grant that schedules a PUSCH or a DL assignment that schedules a PDSCH.) the target signal is used to trigger the first signal, and (Wei, in Fig. 2B and in Paragraph [0102], teaches that the MSGB window (the first time window) is started by UE after the transmission of PUSCH payload of MSGA (the target signal) with/without the timing offset as described in Fig. 2B and in Paragraph [0102]. The MSGB time window is started from the beginning of the first symbol of the upcoming PDCCH (MSGB signal: the first signal) after the transmission of PUSCH payload of MSGA with/without a timing offset. Therefore, the targe signal (PUSCH payload of MSGA) is used to trigger the first signal (MSGB signal).) based on detecting the first signal, demodulate the first signal, wherein the first signal comprises the first C-RNTI and a second C-RNTI, (Wei, in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], teaches that as described in Fig. 4B and in Paragraph [0104], the UE may monitor PDCCHs (including PDCCH 410B, PDCCH 420B, PDCCH 430B) for an RAR identified by the MSGB-RNTI and monitor the PDCCHs for an RAR identified by the C-RNTI within the MSGB window. Here, the MSGB signal (RAR), as shown in Fig. 4B, includes the first C-RNTI and the second C-RNTI. As described earlier, DCI 412B with CRC bits scrambled by a first C-RNTI includes a UL grant that schedules a PUSCH 414B. DCI 422B with CRC bits scrambled by a second C-RNTI includes a DL assignment that schedules a PDSCH 424B. If the first C-RNTI is the same as the C-RNTI used by the UE for PDCCH monitoring, the UE may successfully decode the DCI 412B and then perform UL transmission on the PUSCH 414B. If the second C-RNTI is the same as the C-RNTI used by the UE for PDCCH monitoring, the UE may successfully decode the DCI 422B and then receive the PDSCH 424B, which may include an RAR. In one implementation, the PDSCH 424B may include an absolute timing advance command (TAC) MAC CE (e.g., 12 bits). DCI 432B with CRC bits scrambled by a MSGB-RNTI schedules a MSGB 434B on a PDSCH. Therefore, based on detection of the first signal (MSGB signal (RAR) including DCIs), demodulate the first signal, wherein the first signal comprises the first C-RNTI and a second C-RNTI.)
Wei does not explicitly teach that wherein a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence.
Yang teaches that wherein a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence; (Yang, in Paragraph [0115], teaches that the MSGA signal may be configured in a combination of a RACH preamble (the first characteristic sequence) and a PUSCH part (payload of MSGA: the target signal). The RACH preamble and the PUSCH part may be combined by TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) or FDM (Frequency Division Multiplexing). Namely, by TDM, the RA preamble is transmitted first and after its completion, the PUSCH payload of MSGA is transmitted. Further, by FDM, the RA preamble and the PUSCH payload of MSGA can be transmitted at the same time by using different frequency bands. Therefore, it is clear that the transmission of the target signal (the PUSCH payload of MSGA) is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence (RA preamble).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Wei and Yang to include the technique of a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence of Yang in the system of Wei to provide a method of efficiently transmitting/receiving control information in a wireless communication not only to support a larger communication capacity for mobile broadband communication but also to reduce the sensitivity to reliability and latency on the services or UEs for the new radio (Yang, see Paragraphs [0003] and [0033]).).
Claims 5, 8, 10, 15, and 18 are rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Chia-Hung Wei and et. al (USPub. No.: US 20210168874 A1, hereinafter “Wei”) in a view of Suckchel Yang and et. al (USPub. No.: US 20210329703 A1, hereinafter “Yang”) and further in a view of Hyoungsuk Jeon and et. al (USPub. No.: US 20220078856 A1, hereinafter “Jeon”).
Regarding claim 5, combination of Wei and Yang teaches the features defined in the claims 4, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Combination of Wei and Yang does not explicitly teach that wherein: the transceiver is further configured to receive a first information block, the first information block being used to indicate M1 candidate reference signal resources, and the transceiver is further configured to select the first reference signal resource from the M1 candidate reference signal resources, wherein the first reference signal resource is a candidate reference signal resource among the M1 candidate reference signal resources, wherein a transmitter of the first information block is the first cell, and wherein M 1 is a positive integer greater than 1.
Jeon teaches that wherein: the transceiver is further configured to receive a first information block, the first information block being used to indicate M1 candidate reference signal resources, and the transceiver is further configured to select the first reference signal resource from the M1 candidate reference signal resources, wherein the first reference signal resource is a candidate reference signal resource among the M1 candidate reference signal resources, wherein a transmitter of the first information block is the first cell, and wherein M 1 is a positive integer greater than 1 (Jeon, in Paragraphs [0261]-[0263], teaches that the base station may transmit by using RRC message one or more downlink reference signals. For example, the one or more downlink reference signals may comprise one or more discovery reference signals. The wireless device may select a first downlink reference signal among the one or more downlink reference signals. For example, the first downlink reference signal may comprise one or more synchronization signals and a physical broadcast channel (SS/PBCH) or one or more channel state information-reference signals (CSI-RS). The one or more RRC messages may further comprise one or more parameters indicating one or more downlink control channels, for example, PDDCH. Each of the one or more downlink control channels may be associated with at least one of the one or more downlink reference signals. For example, the first downlink reference signal may comprise one or more system information (e.g., master information block (MIB) and/or system information block (SIB)). The base station may transmit message(s) comprising the one or more system information, for example, on the physical broadcast channel (PBCH), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and/or physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). Therefore, it is clear that the first transceiver (the UE) receives a first information block (RRC message, MIB, or SIB) that is used to indicate M1 candidate reference signal resources (SSs or CSI-RSs) and selects the first reference signal resource from the M1 (more than one) candidate reference signal resources. Since the first information block is received by the first transceiver, the transmitter is in the first cell.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Wei, Yang, and Jeon to include the technique of wherein the first transceiver receives a first information block, the first information block being used to indicate M1 candidate reference signal resources; and the first transceiver selects the first reference signal resource from the M1 candidate reference signal resources; the first reference signal resource is 1 a candidate reference signal resource among the M1 candidate reference signal resources; a transmitter of the first information block is the first cell; M1 is a positive integer greater than 1 of Jeon in the system of combination of Wei and Yang to provide a method of efficient random access procedure in a wireless communication to reduce a delay, signaling overhead and/or avoid unnecessary battery power consumption for the wireless device. (Jeon, see Paragraphs [0336] and [0337]).).
Regarding claim 8, combination of Wei and Yang teaches the features defined in the claims 1, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Combination of Wei and Yang does not explicitly teach that wherein: a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence comprises: a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence plus a timing advance is used to determine a slot synchronization timing, with a transmission timing of the target signal being based on the slot synchronization timing, and the timing advance being indicated by a RA Response (RAR) corresponding to the first characteristic sequence, and the transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence is based on a downlink synchronization.
Jeon teaches that wherein: a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence comprises: (Jeon, in Fig. 17A, 17B, and 17C and in Paragraph [0250], teaches that Fig. 17A, 17B, and 17C are examples of radio resource allocations of a PRACH resource (PRACH preamble) and one or more associated UL radio resources (PUSCH payload) based on a time offset, a frequency offset, and a combination of a time offset and a frequency offset, respectively. For example, a PRACH occasion (PRACH preamble: the first characteristic sequence) and one or more associated UL radio resources (e.g., PUSCH occasions: target signal) for MsgA 1331 may be allocated with a time offset and/or frequency offset, e.g., provided by RRC messages (as a part of RACH config.) and/or predefined (e.g., as a mapping table). FIG. 17A is an example of a PRACH occasion TDMed (Time Division Multiplexed) with a UL radio resources (e.g., PUSCH occasion). FIG. 17B is an example of a PRACH occasion FDMed (Frequency Division Multiplexed) with a UL radio resources (e.g., PUSCH occasion). FIG. 17C is an example of a PRACH occasion TDMed and FDMed with a UL radio resources (e.g., PUSCH occasion). Therefore, it is clear that a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence.) a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence plus a timing advance is used to determine a slot synchronization timing, with a transmission timing of the target signal being based on the slot synchronization timing, (Jeon, in Fig. 17A, 17B, and 17C and in Paragraph [0250] and [0332], teaches that since the TA (Timing Advance) time of a wireless device (the first transceiver) may start after or in response to receiving a TA command prior to the transmission of the MSGA, the transmission timing of the PRACH preamble plus a timing advance can be used to determine a slot synchronization timing of the PUSCH. Based on the time offset in Fig. 17A, the transmission timing of the PUSCH payload can be the transmission timing of the PRACH preamble plus a TA plus the timing offset in Fig. 17A. Therefore, it is clear that a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence plus a timing advance is used to determine a slot synchronization timing and a transmission timing of the target signal can be determined based on the slot synchronization timing.) and the timing advance being indicated by a RA Response (RAR) corresponding to the first characteristic sequence, (Jeon, in Paragraph [0234], teaches that in the downlink transmission of the two-step RA procedure, a base station may transmit MSGB 1332 (e.g., a random access response corresponding to MsgA 1331: PRACH preamble (the first characteristic sequence) and the payload of PUSCH (the target signal)) that may comprise at least one of following: a timing advance command indicating the TA value, a power control command, an UL grant (e.g., radio resource assignment, and/or MCS), the identifier for contention resolution, an RNTI (e.g., C-RNTI or TC-RNTI),
and/or other information. Therefore, it is clear that the timing advance being indicated by a RAR corresponding to the first characteristic sequence.) the transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence is based on a downlink synchronization (Jeon, in Paragraph [0261]-[0262], teaches that The one or more RRC messages may broadcast or multicast to one or more wireless devices. The RRC messages may comprise one or more parameters required for transmitting at least one preamble via one or more random access resources: PRACH resource allocation (e.g., resource allocation of one or more PRACH occasions), preamble format, SSB information (e.g., total number of SSBs, downlink resource allocation of SSB transmission, transmission power of SSB transmission, SSB index corresponding to a beam transmitting the one or more RRC messages and/or other information), and/or uplink radio resources for one or more transport block transmissions. The base station may transmit one or more downlink reference signals. The wireless device may select a first downlink reference signal among the one or more downlink reference signals. For example, the first downlink reference signal may comprise one or more synchronization signals and a physical broadcast channel (SS/PBCH). The wireless device may adjust a downlink synchronization based on the one or more synchronization signals. For example, the one or more downlink reference signals may comprise one or more channel state information-reference signals (CSI-RS). Based on this observation, it is clear that the timing of the first characteristic sequence (PRACH preamble) can be decided based on the downlink synchronization.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Wei, Yang, and Jeon to include the technique of wherein: a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence comprises: a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence plus a timing advance is used to determine a slot synchronization timing, with a transmission timing of the target signal being based on the slot synchronization timing, and the timing advance being indicated by a RA Response (RAR) corresponding to the first characteristic sequence, and the transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence is based on a downlink synchronization of Jeon in the system of combination of Wei and Yang to provide a method of efficient random access procedure in a wireless communication to reduce a delay, signaling overhead and/or avoid unnecessary battery power consumption for the wireless device. (Jeon, see Paragraphs [0336] and [0337]).).
Regarding claim 10, combination of Wei and Yang teaches the features defined in the claims 1, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Yang further teaches that wherein the first characteristic sequence occupies a first time-frequency resource set, the first time-frequency resource set belongs to a first time-frequency resource pool, the first time- frequency resource pool is only used for a PRACH transmission resulting from mobility, and (Yang, in Paragraphs [0115]-[0118], teaches that The MsgA signal may be configured in a combination of an RACH preamble and a PUSCH part. The RACH preamble and the PUSCH part may be combined by, for example, TDM (Time Division Multiples) /FDM (Frequency Division Multiplex). RACH preamble (RA preamble: the first characteristic sequence) is defined with RACH Occasion (RO) and RA Preamble Index (PI). RO (a first time-frequency resource set) represents a time/frequency resource (set) on which one RACH preamble signal may be transmitted. PI represents a RACH preamble index that may be distinguished on a sequence in one RO, among a plurality of ROs. For example, when N RACH preambles are available in a cell, PI may be set to 0 to N-1. The RACH preamble may be configured with a Zadoff-Chu sequence but is not limited thereto. PIs in one RO can be divided into a plurality of PI groups (in Paragraph [0129]). Therefore, it is clear that the first characteristic sequence is included in a first time-frequency resource set, the first time-frequency resource set belonging to a first time-frequency resource pool used for a PRACH transmission resulting from mobility;
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Wei and Yang to include the technique of wherein the first characteristic sequence occupies a first time-frequency resource set, the first time-frequency resource set belongs to a first time-frequency resource pool, the first time- frequency resource pool is only used for a PRACH transmission resulting from mobility, and of Yang in the system of Wei to provide a method of efficiently transmitting/receiving control information in a wireless communication not only to support a larger communication capacity for mobile broadband communication but also to reduce the sensitivity to reliability and latency on the services or UEs for the new radio (Yang, see Paragraphs [0003] and [0033]).).
Combination of Wei and Yang does not explicitly teach that the PRACH transmission resulting from mobility comprises at least one of a PRACH transmission resulting from a Beam link Failure (BLF) or a PRACH transmission resulting from a triggering of L1/L2 inter-cell handover.
Jeon teaches that the PRACH transmission resulting from mobility comprises at least one of a PRACH transmission resulting from a Beam link Failure (BLF) or a PRACH transmission resulting from a triggering of L1/L2 inter-cell handover (Jeon, in Fig. 13B and in Paragraphs [0196]-[0198], teaches that FIG. 13B illustrates a two-step contention-free random access (CFRA) procedure. Similar to the four-step contention-based random access procedure illustrated in FIG. 13A, a base station may, prior to initiation of the procedure, transmit a configuration message 1320 to the UE. The configuration message 1320 may be analogous in some respects to the configuration message 1310. The procedure illustrated in FIG. 13B comprises transmission of two messages: a Msg 11321 and a Msg 2 1322. The Msg 11321 and
the Msg 2 1322 may be analogous in some respects to the Msg 1 1311 and a Msg 2 1312 illustrated in FIG. 13A, respectively. As will be understood from FIGS. 13A and 13B, the contention-free random access procedure may not include messages analogous to the Msg 3 1313 and/or the Msg 4 1314. The contention-free random access procedure illustrated in FIG. 13B may be initiated for a beam failure recovery, other SI request, SCell addition, and/or handover. For example, a base station may indicate or assign to the UE the preamble to be used for the Msg 1 1321. The UE may receive, from the base station via PDCCH and/or RRC, an indication of a preamble (e.g., ra-Preambleindex). After transmitting a preamble, the UE may start a time window (e.g., ra-ResponseWindow) to monitor a PDCCH for the RAR. In the event of a beam failure recovery request, the base station may configure the UE with a separate time window and/or a separate PDCCH in a search space indicated by an RRC message (e.g., recoverySe
archSpaceid). The UE may monitor for a PDCCH transmission addressed to a Cell RNTI (C-RNTI) on the search space. The UE may determine that a random access procedure successfully completes after or in response to transmission of Msg 1 1321 and reception of a corresponding Msg 2 1322. The UE may determine that a random access procedure successfully completes if a PDCCH transmission is addressed to a C-RNTI. The UE may determine that a random access procedure successfully completes if the UE receives an RAR (Random Access Response) comprising a preamble identifier corresponding to a preamble transmitted by the UE and/or the RAR comprises a MAC sub-PDU with the preamble identifier. The UE may determine the response as an indication of an acknowledgement for an SI request. therefore, it is clear that the PRACH transmission resulting from mobility comprises at least one of a PRACH transmission resulting from a Beamlink Failure (BLF) or a PRACH transmission resulting from a triggering of L1/L2 inter-cell handover.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Wei, Yang, and Jeon to include the technique of the PRACH transmission resulting from mobility comprises at least one of a PRACH transmission resulting from a Beam link Failure (BLF) or a PRACH transmission resulting from a triggering of L1/L2 inter-cell handover of Jeon in the system of combination of Wei and Yang to provide a method of efficient random access procedure in a wireless communication to reduce a delay, signaling overhead and/or avoid unnecessary battery power consumption for the wireless device. (Jeon, see Paragraphs [0336] and [0337]).).
Regarding claim 15, combination of Wei and Yang teaches the features defined in the claims 14, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Combination of Wei and Yang does not explicitly teach that wherein: the transceiver is further configured to transmit a first information block, the first information block being used to indicate M1 candidate reference signal resources, the first reference signal resource is a candidate reference signal resource among the M1 candidate reference signal resources, a transmitter of the first information block is the first cell, and M1 is a positive integer greater than 1.
Jeon teaches that wherein: the transceiver is further configured to transmit a first information block, the first information block being used to indicate M1 candidate reference signal resources, the first reference signal resource is a candidate reference signal resource among the M1 candidate reference signal resources, a transmitter of the first information block is the first cell, and M1 is a positive integer greater than 1 (Jeon, in Paragraphs [0261]-[0263], teaches that the base station (the second transceiver) may transmit by using RRC message one or more downlink reference signals. For example, the one or more downlink reference signals may comprise one or more discovery reference signals. The wireless device (the first transceiver) may select a first downlink reference signal among the one or more downlink reference signals. For example, the first downlink reference signal may comprise one or more synchronization signals and a physical broadcast channel (SS/PBCH) or one or more channel state information-reference signals (CSI-RS). The one or more RRC messages may further comprise one or more parameters indicating one or more downlink control channels, for example, PDDCH. Each of the one or more downlink control channels may be associated with at least one of the one or more downlink reference signals. For example, the first downlink reference signal may comprise one or more system information (e.g., master information block (MIB) and/or system information block (SIB)). The base station may transmit message(s) comprising the one or more system information, for example, on the physical broadcast channel (PBCH), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and/or physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). Therefore, it is clear that the second transceiver (the base station) transmits a first information block (RRC message, MIB, or SIB) that is used to indicate M1 candidate reference signal resources (SSs or CSI-RSs) and selects the first reference signal resource from the M1 (more than one) candidate reference signal resources. Since the first information block is received by the first transceiver, the transmitter is in the first cell.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Wei, Yang, and Jeon to include the technique of wherein: the transceiver is further configured to transmit a first information block, the first information block being used to indicate M1 candidate reference signal resources, the first reference signal resource is a candidate reference signal resource among the M1 candidate reference signal resources, a transmitter of the first information block is the first cell, and M1 is a positive integer greater than 1 of Jeon in the system of combination of Wei and Yang to provide a method of efficient random access procedure in a wireless communication to reduce a delay, signaling overhead and/or avoid unnecessary battery power consumption for the wireless device. (Jeon, see Paragraphs [0336] and [0337]).).
Regarding claim 18, combination of Wei and Yang teaches the features defined in the claims 11, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Combination of Wei and Yang does not explicitly teach that wherein a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence comprises: a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence plus a timing advance is used to determine a slot synchronization timing, with a transmission timing of the target signal being based on the slot synchronization timing, and the timing advance being indicated by an RA Response (RAR) corresponding to the first characteristic sequence, and the transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence is based on a downlink synchronization.
Jeon teaches that wherein a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence comprises: (Jeon, in Fig. 17A, 17B, and 17C and in Paragraph [0250], teaches that Fig. 17A, 17B, and 17C are examples of radio resource allocations of a PRACH resource (PRACH preamble) and one or more associated UL radio resources (PUSCH payload) based on a time offset, a frequency offset, and a combination of a time offset and a frequency offset, respectively. For example, a PRACH occasion (PRACH preamble: the first characteristic sequence) and one or more associated UL radio resources (e.g., PUSCH occasions: target signal) for MsgA 1331 may be allocated with a time offset and/or frequency offset, e.g., provided by RRC messages (as a part of RACH config.) and/or predefined (e.g., as a mapping table). FIG. 17A is an example of a PRACH occasion TDMed (Time Division Multiplexed) with a UL radio resources (e.g., PUSCH occasion). FIG. 17B is an example of a PRACH occasion FDMed (Frequency Division Multiplexed) with a UL radio resources (e.g., PUSCH occasion). FIG. 17C is an example of a PRACH occasion TDMed and FDMed with a UL radio resources (e.g., PUSCH occasion). Therefore, it is clear that a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence.) a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence plus a timing advance is used to determine a slot synchronization timing, with a transmission timing of the target signal being based on the slot synchronization timing, (Jeon, in Fig. 17A, 17B, and 17C and in Paragraph [0250] and [0332], teaches that since the TA (Timing Advance) time of a wireless device (the first transceiver) may start after or in response to receiving a TA command prior to the transmission of the MSGA, the transmission timing of the PRACH preamble plus a timing advance can be used to determine a slot synchronization timing of the PUSCH. Based on the time offset in Fig. 17A, the transmission timing of the PUSCH payload can be the transmission timing of the PRACH preamble plus a TA plus the timing offset in Fig. 17A. Therefore, it is clear that a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence plus a timing advance is used to determine a slot synchronization timing and a transmission timing of the target signal can be determined based on the slot synchronization timing.) and the timing advance being indicated by a RA Response (RAR) corresponding to the first characteristic sequence, (Jeon, in Paragraph [0234], teaches that in the downlink transmission of the two-step RA procedure, a base station may transmit MSGB 1332 (e.g., a random access response corresponding to MsgA 1331: PRACH preamble (the first characteristic sequence) and the payload of PUSCH (the target signal)) that may comprise at least one of following: a timing advance command indicating the TA value, a power control command, an UL grant (e.g., radio resource assignment, and/or MCS), the identifier for contention resolution, an RNTI (e.g., C-RNTI or TC-RNTI),
and/or other information. Therefore, it is clear that the timing advance being indicated by a RAR corresponding to the first characteristic sequence.) and the transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence is based on a downlink synchronization (Jeon, in Paragraph [0261]-[0262], teaches that The one or more RRC messages may broadcast or multicast to one or more wireless devices. The RRC messages may comprise one or more parameters required for transmitting at least one preamble via one or more random access resources: PRACH resource allocation (e.g., resource allocation of one or more PRACH occasions), preamble format, SSB information (e.g., total number of SSBs, downlink resource allocation of SSB transmission, transmission power of SSB transmission, SSB index corresponding to a beam transmitting the one or more RRC messages and/or other information), and/or uplink radio resources for one or more transport block transmissions. The base station may transmit one or more downlink reference signals. The wireless device may select a first downlink reference signal among the one or more downlink reference signals. For example, the first downlink reference signal may comprise one or more synchronization signals and a physical broadcast channel (SS/PBCH). The wireless device may adjust a downlink synchronization based on the one or more synchronization signals. For example, the one or more downlink reference signals may comprise one or more channel state information-reference signals (CSI-RS). Based on this observation, it is clear that the timing of the first characteristic sequence (PRACH preamble) can be decided based on the downlink synchronization.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Wei, Yang, and Jeon to include the technique of wherein a transmission timing of the target signal is related to a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence comprises: a transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence plus a timing advance is used to determine a slot synchronization timing, with a transmission timing of the target signal being based on the slot synchronization timing, and the timing advance being indicated by an RA Response (RAR) corresponding to the first characteristic sequence, and the transmission timing of the first characteristic sequence is based on a downlink synchronization of Jeon in the system of combination of Wei and Yang to provide a method of efficient random access procedure in a wireless communication to reduce a delay, signaling overhead and/or avoid unnecessary battery power consumption for the wireless device. (Jeon, see Paragraphs [0336] and [0337]).).
Claims 6 and 16 are rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Chia-Hung Wei and et. al (USPub. No.: US 20210168874 A1, hereinafter “Wei”) in a view of Suckchel Yang and et. al (USPub. No.: US 20210329703 A1, hereinafter “Yang”) and further in a view of Anil Agiwal and et. al (USPub. No.: US 20230156819 A1, hereinafter “Agiwal”).
Regarding claim 6, combination of Wei and Yang teaches the features defined in the claims 1, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Combination of Wei and Yang does not explicitly teach that wherein the transceiver is further configured to receive a second information block, the second information block indicating a target reference signal resource group, and measure the target reference signal resource group, wherein: a channel quality of each reference signal resource in the target reference signal resource group is lower than a first threshold, a first counter is incremented by 1, the target reference signal resource group comprises at least one reference signal resource, the first counter reaches a first trigger value, and a transmission of the first characteristic sequence is triggered.
Agiwal teaches that wherein the transceiver is further configured to receive a second information block, the second information block indicating a target reference signal resource group, and measure the target reference signal resource group, wherein: a channel quality of each reference signal resource in the target reference signal resource group is lower than a first threshold, a first counter is incremented by 1, the target reference signal resource group comprises at least one reference signal resource, the first counter reaches a first trigger value, and a transmission of the first characteristic sequence is triggered (Agiwal, in Paragraphs [0069]-[0070] and [0080]-[0081], teaches that 2 step contention free random access (2 stepCFRA): In this case gNB assigns to UE (the first transceiver) dedicated Random access preamble (s) (the first characteristic sequence) and PUSCH resource(s) (the target signal) for MSGA transmission. RO(s) (RACH Occasions) to be used for preamble transmission may also be indicated. In the first step, UE transmits random access preamble (the first characteristic sequence) on PRACH and a payload on PUSCH using the contention free random access resources (i.e. dedicated preamble/PUSCH resource/RO). In the second step, after MSGA transmission, the UE monitors for a response from the network (i.e. gNB) within a configured window. If UE receives PDCCH addressed to C-RNTI, random access procedure is considered successfully completed. For certain events such has handover and beam failure recovery if dedicated preamble(s) and PUSCH resource(s) are assigned to UE, during first step of random access i.e. during random access resource selection for MSGA transmission UE determines whether to transmit dedicated preamble or non-dedicated preamble. Dedicated preambles are typically provided for a subset of SSBs/CSI RSs. If there is no SSB/CSI RS having DL RSRP above a threshold amongst the SSBs/CSI RSs for which contention free random access resources (i.e. dedicated preambles/ROs/PUSCH resources) are provided by gNB, UE select non-dedicated preamble. Otherwise, UE select dedicated preamble. During the RA procedure, one random access attempt can be 2 step CFRA while other random access attempt can be 2 step CBRA. The beam failure recovery (BFR) mechanism at UE for PCell or PSCell comprises of beam failure detection, new candidate beam identification, beam failure recovery request transmission and monitoring response for beam failure recovery request. UE monitors synchronization signals (SSs) or CSI-RSs (target reference signals) transmitted periodically by the serving cell (PCell or PSCell) to assess if a beam failure trigger condition has been met and also to identify a new candidate beam. A beam failure is detected on a serving cell if number of consecutive detected beam failure instance exceeds a configured maximum number. A Beam Failure Instance means that all serving beam fails (i.e. hypothetical PDCCH block error rate (BLER) determined based on measurement of SS or CS I-RS is above a threshold.). A new candidate beam is the CSI-RS or SSB of serving cell whose measured quality (e.g. RSRP) is above a configured threshold. The MAC entity of a cell group for each Serving Cell configured for beam failure detection perform the following operation: if beam failure instance indication has been received from lower layers (i.e. PHY layer), start or restart the beamFailureDetection-Timer and increase BFI_COUNTER (the first counter) by 1. If BFI_COUNTER >= beamFailureinstanceMaxCount, where BFI means Beam Failure Instance: if the Serving Cell is SCell, trigger a BFR for this Serving Cell; otherwise, initiate a Random Access procedure on the SpCell. Note that BFR MAC CE or truncated BFR MAC CE is included in MsgA or Msg3 transmitted during the random access procedure. Based on this, BFI_COUNTER is greater and equal than beamFailureinstanceMaxCount (the first trigger value), the MSGA (RA preamble and a payload of PUSCH) is triggerd. Therefore, it is clear that the first transceiver receives a second information block that indicates a target reference signal resource group, measures a channel quality of each reference signal resource in the target reference signal resource group, and if the channel quality (BLER) is lower than a first threshold (is same as “above the BLER Threshold”), a first counter is incremented by 1. If the first counter reaches a first trigger value, and a transmission of the first characteristic sequence is triggered.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Wei, Yang, and Agiwal to include the technique of wherein the transceiver is further configured to receive a second information block, the second information block indicating a target reference signal resource group, and measure the target reference signal resource group, wherein: a channel quality of each reference signal resource in the target reference signal resource group is lower than a first threshold, a first counter is incremented by 1, the target reference signal resource group comprises at least one reference signal resource, the first counter reaches a first trigger value, and a transmission of the first characteristic sequence is triggered of Agiwal in the system of combination of Wei and Yang 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), to enhance RLF reporting, beam failure recovery of secondary cell, contention free random access resource signaling, and system information block 1 (SIB1) processing procedures for wireless communication system (Agiwal, see Paragraphs [0006] and [0007]).).
Regarding claim 16, combination of Wei and Yang teaches the features defined in the claims 11, -refer to the indicated claim for reference(s).
Combination of Wei and Yang does not explicitly teach that wherein the second transceiver transmits a second information block, the second information block indicating a target reference signal resource group, wherein a transmitter of the first characteristic sequence is a first node, the first node measuring the target reference signal resource group, and a channel quality of each reference signal resource in the target reference signal resource group being than a first threshold, a first counter of the first node is incremented by 1, the target reference signal resource group comprises at least one reference signal resource, the first counter reaches a first trigger value, and the first characteristic sequence is triggered.
Agiwal teaches that wherein the second transceiver transmits a second information block, the second information block indicating a target reference signal resource group, wherein a transmitter of the first characteristic sequence is a first node, the first node measuring the target reference signal resource group, and a channel quality of each reference signal resource in the target reference signal resource group being than a first threshold, a first counter of the first node is incremented by 1, the target reference signal resource group comprises at least one reference signal resource, the first counter reaches a first trigger value, and the first characteristic sequence is triggered (Agiwal, in Paragraphs [0069]-[0070] and [0080]-[0081], teaches that 2 step contention free random access (2 stepCFRA): In this case gNB (the second transceiver) assigns to UE (the first transceiver at the first node) dedicated Random access preamble (s) (the first characteristic sequence) and PUSCH resource(s) (the target signal) for MSGA transmission. RO(s) (RACH Occasions) to be used for preamble transmission may also be indicated. In the first step, UE transmits random access preamble (the first characteristic sequence) on PRACH and a payload on PUSCH using the contention free random access resources (i.e. dedicated preamble/PUSCH resource/RO). In the second step, after MSGA transmission, the UE monitors for a response from the network (i.e. gNB) within a configured window. If UE receives PDCCH addressed to C-RNTI, based on the preamble in MSGA, random access procedure is considered successfully completed. For certain events such has handover and beam failure recovery if dedicated preamble(s) and PUSCH resource(s) are assigned to UE, during first step of random access i.e. during random access resource selection for MSGA transmission UE determines whether to transmit dedicated preamble or non-dedicated preamble. Dedicated preambles are typically provided for a subset of SSBs/CSI RSs. If there is no SSB/CSI RS having DL RSRP above a threshold amongst the SSBs/CSI RSs for which contention free random access resources (i.e. dedicated preambles/ROs/PUSCH resources) are provided by gNB, UE select non-dedicated preamble. Otherwise, UE select dedicated preamble. During the RA procedure, one random access attempt can be 2 step CFRA while other random access attempt can be 2 step CBRA. The beam failure recovery (BFR) mechanism at UE for PCell or PSCell comprises of beam failure detection, new candidate beam identification, beam failure recovery request transmission and monitoring response for beam failure recovery request. UE monitors synchronization signals (SSs) or CSI-RSs (target reference signals) transmitted periodically by the serving cell (PCell or PSCell) to assess if a beam failure trigger condition has been met and also to identify a new candidate beam. A beam failure is detected on a serving cell if number of consecutive detected beam failure instance exceeds a configured maximum number. A Beam Failure Instance means that all serving beam fails (i.e. hypothetical PDCCH block error rate (BLER) determined based on measurement of SS or CS I-RS is above a threshold.). A new candidate beam is the CSI-RS or SSB of serving cell whose measured quality (e.g. RSRP) is above a configured threshold. The MAC entity of a cell group for each Serving Cell configured for beam failure detection perform the following operation: if beam failure instance indication has been received from lower layers (i.e. PHY layer), start or restart the beamFailureDetection-Timer and increase BFI_COUNTER (the first counter) by 1. If BFI_COUNTER >= beamFailureinstanceMaxCount, where BFI means Beam Failure Instance: if the Serving Cell is SCell, trigger a BFR for this Serving Cell; otherwise, initiate a Random Access procedure on the SpCell. Note that BFR MAC CE or truncated BFR MAC CE is included in MSGA or Msg3 transmitted during the random access procedure. Based on this, BFI_COUNTER is greater and equal than beamFailureinstanceMaxCount (the first trigger value), the MSGA (RA preamble and a payload of PUSCH) is triggerd. Therefore, it is clear that the second transceiver transmits a second information block that indicates a target reference signal resource group and the first transceiver measures a channel quality of each reference signal resource in the target reference signal resource group, and if the channel quality (BLER) is lower than a first threshold (is same as “above the BLER Threshold”), a first counter is incremented by 1. If the first counter reaches a first trigger value, and a transmission of the first characteristic sequence is triggered.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to combine Wei, Yang, and Agiwal to include the technique of wherein the second transceiver transmits a second information block, the second information block indicating a target reference signal resource group, wherein a transmitter of the first characteristic sequence is a first node, the first node measuring the target reference signal resource group, and a channel quality of each reference signal resource in the target reference signal resource group being than a first threshold, a first counter of the first node is incremented by 1, the target reference signal resource group comprises at least one reference signal resource, the first counter reaches a first trigger value, and the first characteristic sequence is triggered of Agiwal in the system of combination of Wei and Yang 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), to enhance RLF reporting, beam failure recovery of secondary cell, contention free random access resource signaling, and system information block 1 (SIB1) processing procedures for wireless communication system (Agiwal, see Paragraphs [0006] and [0007]).).
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
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/JAEYOUNG KWAK/Examiner, Art Unit 2472
/KEVIN T BATES/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2472