DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Priorities and Examiner Remarks
This application filed 12/23/2022 is a Continuation of PCT/CN2020/097931
(filed 06/24/2020), and does not claim priority from any domestic or foreign applications.
DETAILED ACTION
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 04/28/2026 has been entered.
Objections
Claim 1 is objected to because of the following informalities, and appropriate correction is required.
Claim 1 line 8 and line 9, each of the phrases “the identity” appears to refer back to the “identity of a domain” in claim 1 line 6. Hence, they should be changed to “the identity of the domain” for avoiding ambiguity issues.
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.
The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claims 1, 4-11, and 17-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Manolakos et al. (US 2020/0351055 A1, hereinafter Manolakos), in view of SEO et al. (US 2020/0045709 A1, hereinafter SEO).
Regarding claim 1, Manolakos teaches a method, comprising (in general, see fig. 3-4 and corresponding paragraphs, see also fig. 2 and its paragraphs for additional background information; note that fig. 4 is an additional embodiment to the steps of fig. 3):
determining, by a wireless communication device, a transmission control indication state identifier (TCI) according to at least one transmission from a wireless communication node (Manolakos, see at least para. 115-117, for one non-limiting example, steps 310-320),
the at least one transmission comprising at least one of a system information block (SIB) (Manolakos, see at least para. 102, “...in some cases (e.g., for CSS signaling), a TRP may scramble data (e.g., of a transmission) based on its PCI. For example, a TRP may scramble PDSCH using a PCI of the TRP when the PDSCH is scheduled using DCI format 1_0 in CSS. More generally, broadcast messages carried in PDSCH (e.g., remaining minimum system information (RMSI), other system information (OSI), paging, random access channel (RACH) response, etc.) and dedicated messages using DCI format 1_0 in CSS, may be scrambled with PCI of the signaling TRP...”, in other words and for on possible example, RMSI in PDSCH in CSS),
determining, by the wireless communication device, an identity of a domain included in the SIB of the at least one transmission (Manolakos, see at least para. 102, “...in some cases (e.g., for CSS signaling), a TRP may scramble data (e.g., of a transmission) based on its PCI. For example, a TRP may scramble PDSCH using a PCI of the TRP when the PDSCH is scheduled using DCI format 1_0 in CSS. More generally, broadcast messages carried in PDSCH (e.g., remaining minimum system information (RMSI), other system information (OSI), paging, random access channel (RACH) response, etc.) and dedicated messages using DCI format 1_0 in CSS, may be scrambled with PCI of the signaling TRP...”);
and
identifying, by the wireless communication device according to the TCI and the identity, a transmission control indication state within the domain (Manolakos, see at least para. 117-118, for one non-limiting example, steps 320-325),
wherein both the TCI and the identity are determined based on the at least one transmission (Manolakos, see at least para. 115-117, for one non-limiting example, steps 310-320),
and
wherein determining the TCI comprises using the identity of the domain included in the SIB and at least one additional identifier obtained from the at least one transmission to determine the TCI (Manolakos, see at least para. 118-119, “...At 325, UE 115-b may identify an association between the TCI state used to receive the downlink transmission at 320, and PCI of TRP 205-c and/or TRP 205-d. For example, in some cases, a downlink transmission from TRP 205-c and a downlink transmission from TRP 205-d may each be associated with a different TCI state. In such cases, a TCI state used to receive the downlink transmission may, in this example, may be associated with one of either the first PCI or the second PCI...”).
Manolakos does not specifically teach the at least one transmission comprising at least one of synchronization signal, physical broadcast channel (PBCH), and a reference signal (RS).
SEO teaches the at least one transmission comprising at least one of synchronization signal, physical broadcast channel (PBCH), and a reference signal (RS) (SEO, in general, see sections including paragraphs 141-166, in particular, see at least para. 144, for one non-limiting example, “...the validity of the TCI type may be determined based on the type of the search space (CSS/USS). For example, when the type of the search space is CSS, only the CSI-RS/TRS associated with the SSB index or SSB can be regarded as a valid TCI state...”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to a person having ordinary skill in the art to incorporate SEO into Manolakos for enhancing resources allocations
Regarding claim 4, Manolakos in view of SEO teaches determining, by the wireless communication device, the TCI using the identity of the domain in the SIB and the at least one additional identifier, the at least one additional identifier included in the SIB. (Manolakos, see at least para. 118-119 in view of para. 102, “...At 325, UE 115-b may identify an association between the TCI state used to receive the downlink transmission at 320, and PCI of TRP 205-c and/or TRP 205-d. For example, in some cases, a downlink transmission from TRP 205-c and a downlink transmission from TRP 205-d may each be associated with a different TCI state. In such cases, a TCI state used to receive the downlink transmission may, in this example, may be associated with one of either the first PCI or the second PCI...”).
Regarding claim 5, Manolakos in view of SEO teaches determining, by the wireless communication device, the TCI using the identity of the domain in the SIB and a synchronization signal block index (SSBI) in the PBCH. (SEO, see at least para. 157 along with para. 133 and fig. 13, “…The TCI state at CORESET #0 may be determined by the SSB associated with the corresponding CORESET/search space set. There may exist a CORESET #0 and a search space set # 0 associated with each SSB…”; Manolakos, see at least para. 118-119 in view of para. 102, “...At 325, UE 115-b may identify an association between the TCI state used to receive the downlink transmission at 320, and PCI of TRP 205-c and/or TRP 205-d. For example, in some cases, a downlink transmission from TRP 205-c and a downlink transmission from TRP 205-d may each be associated with a different TCI state. In such cases, a TCI state used to receive the downlink transmission may, in this example, may be associated with one of either the first PCI or the second PCI...”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to a person having ordinary skill in the art to incorporate SEO into Manolakos for enhancing resources allocations
Regarding claim 6, Manolakos in view of SEO teaches determining, by the wireless communication device, the TCI using the identity of the domain in the SIB and a transmission control indication state group identity (TCGI) in the SIB, and a synchronization signal block index (SSBI) in the PBCH. (SEO, see at least para. 145 along with para. 165, for one example, but not limited to, “…If the above applies to the default TCI, the above proposal may be applied to the valid TCI state of the candidate group. For example, the TCI state of the lowest index among the set of TCI states which are set for the PDSCH, etc. … is used as the default TCI, when the index # 0 is set to CSI-RS # 2 and the index # 1 is set to SSB # 1, the TCI state for CORESET #0/search space # 0 can be set to index #1 (SSB #1),…”; Manolakos, see at least para. 118-119 in view of para. 102, “...At 325, UE 115-b may identify an association between the TCI state used to receive the downlink transmission at 320, and PCI of TRP 205-c and/or TRP 205-d. For example, in some cases, a downlink transmission from TRP 205-c and a downlink transmission from TRP 205-d may each be associated with a different TCI state. In such cases, a TCI state used to receive the downlink transmission may, in this example, may be associated with one of either the first PCI or the second PCI...”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to a person having ordinary skill in the art to incorporate SEO into Manolakos for enhancing resources allocations
Regarding claim 7, Manolakos in view of SEO teaches determining, by the wireless communication device, the TCI using the identity of the domain in the SIB and a CSI-RS resource index (CRI) in the SIB, the CRI selected according to the CSI-RS. (SEO, see at least para. 145 along with para. 165, for one example, but not limited to, “…If the above applies to the default TCI, the above proposal may be applied to the valid TCI state of the candidate group. For example, the TCI state of the lowest index among the set of TCI states which are set for the PDSCH, etc. … is used as the default TCI, when the index # 0 is set to CSI-RS # 2 and the index # 1 is set to SSB # 1, the TCI state for CORESET #0/search space # 0 can be set to index #1 (SSB #1),…”; Manolakos, see at least para. 118-119 in view of para. 102, “...At 325, UE 115-b may identify an association between the TCI state used to receive the downlink transmission at 320, and PCI of TRP 205-c and/or TRP 205-d. For example, in some cases, a downlink transmission from TRP 205-c and a downlink transmission from TRP 205-d may each be associated with a different TCI state. In such cases, a TCI state used to receive the downlink transmission may, in this example, may be associated with one of either the first PCI or the second PCI...”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to a person having ordinary skill in the art to incorporate SEO into Manolakos for enhancing resources allocations
Regarding claim 8, Manolakos in view of SEO teaches determining, by the wireless communication device, the TCI using the identity of the domain in the SIB and TCI information in the SIB, the TCI information selected according to the CSI-RS. (SEO, see at least para. 145 along with para. 165, for one example, but not limited to, “…If the above applies to the default TCI, the above proposal may be applied to the valid TCI state of the candidate group. For example, the TCI state of the lowest index among the set of TCI states which are set for the PDSCH, etc. … is used as the default TCI, when the index # 0 is set to CSI-RS # 2 and the index # 1 is set to SSB # 1, the TCI state for CORESET #0/search space # 0 can be set to index #1 (SSB #1),…”; Manolakos, see at least para. 118-119 in view of para. 102, “...At 325, UE 115-b may identify an association between the TCI state used to receive the downlink transmission at 320, and PCI of TRP 205-c and/or TRP 205-d. For example, in some cases, a downlink transmission from TRP 205-c and a downlink transmission from TRP 205-d may each be associated with a different TCI state. In such cases, a TCI state used to receive the downlink transmission may, in this example, may be associated with one of either the first PCI or the second PCI...”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to a person having ordinary skill in the art to incorporate SEO into Manolakos for enhancing resources allocations
Regarding claim 9, Manolakos in view of SEO teaches determining, by the wireless communication device, the TCI using the identity of the domain in the SIB, a transmission control indication state group identity (TCGI) in the SIB and TCI information in the SIB, the TCI information selected according to the CSI-RS. (SEO, see at least para. 143-145 along with para. 165, for one example, but not limited to, “…If the above applies to the default TCI, the above proposal may be applied to the valid TCI state of the candidate group. For example, the TCI state of the lowest index among the set of TCI states which are set for the PDSCH, etc. … is used as the default TCI, when the index # 0 is set to CSI-RS # 2 and the index # 1 is set to SSB # 1, the TCI state for CORESET #0/search space # 0 can be set to index #1 (SSB #1),…”; Manolakos, see at least para. 118-119 in view of para. 102, “...At 325, UE 115-b may identify an association between the TCI state used to receive the downlink transmission at 320, and PCI of TRP 205-c and/or TRP 205-d. For example, in some cases, a downlink transmission from TRP 205-c and a downlink transmission from TRP 205-d may each be associated with a different TCI state. In such cases, a TCI state used to receive the downlink transmission may, in this example, may be associated with one of either the first PCI or the second PCI...”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to a person having ordinary skill in the art to incorporate SEO into Manolakos for enhancing resources allocations
Regarding claim 10, Manolakos in view of SEO teaches determining, by the wireless communication device, the TCI using the identity of the domain in the SIB, a transmission control indication state group identity (TCGI) in the SIB and a CSI-RS resource index (CRI) in the SIB, the CRI selected according to the CSI-RS. (SEO, see at least para. 143-145 along with para. 165, for one example, but not limited to, “…If the above applies to the default TCI, the above proposal may be applied to the valid TCI state of the candidate group. For example, the TCI state of the lowest index among the set of TCI states which are set for the PDSCH, etc. … is used as the default TCI, when the index # 0 is set to CSI-RS # 2 and the index # 1 is set to SSB # 1, the TCI state for CORESET #0/search space # 0 can be set to index #1 (SSB #1),…”; Manolakos, see at least para. 118-119 in view of para. 102, “...At 325, UE 115-b may identify an association between the TCI state used to receive the downlink transmission at 320, and PCI of TRP 205-c and/or TRP 205-d. For example, in some cases, a downlink transmission from TRP 205-c and a downlink transmission from TRP 205-d may each be associated with a different TCI state. In such cases, a TCI state used to receive the downlink transmission may, in this example, may be associated with one of either the first PCI or the second PCI...”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to a person having ordinary skill in the art to incorporate SEO into Manolakos for enhancing resources allocations
Regarding claim 11, Manolakos in view of SEO teaches determining, by the wireless communication device, the TCI using the identity of the domain in the SIB and a CSI-RS resource index (CRI) in the SIB, and a synchronization signal block index (SSBI) in the PBCH, the CRI selected according to the CSI-RS. (SEO, see at least para. 143-145 along with para. 165, for one example, but not limited to, “…If the above applies to the default TCI, the above proposal may be applied to the valid TCI state of the candidate group. For example, the TCI state of the lowest index among the set of TCI states which are set for the PDSCH, etc. … is used as the default TCI, when the index # 0 is set to CSI-RS # 2 and the index # 1 is set to SSB # 1, the TCI state for CORESET #0/search space # 0 can be set to index #1 (SSB #1),…”; Manolakos, see at least para. 118-119 in view of para. 102, “...At 325, UE 115-b may identify an association between the TCI state used to receive the downlink transmission at 320, and PCI of TRP 205-c and/or TRP 205-d. For example, in some cases, a downlink transmission from TRP 205-c and a downlink transmission from TRP 205-d may each be associated with a different TCI state. In such cases, a TCI state used to receive the downlink transmission may, in this example, may be associated with one of either the first PCI or the second PCI...”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to a person having ordinary skill in the art to incorporate SEO into Manolakos for enhancing resources allocations
Regarding claim 17, Manolakos in view of SEO teaches identifying, by the wireless communication device using the TCI, a location. (SEO, see at least para. 160, for one example, but not limited to, “…The one TCI state may include information on a quasi-co-location (QCL) relationship between the CSI-RS and a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) port for the PDCCH/PDSCH…”)
Therefore, it would have been obvious, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to a person having ordinary skill in the art to incorporate SEO into Manolakos for enhancing resources allocations
Regarding claim 18, this claim is rejected for the same reasoning as claim 1 except this claim is in apparatus claim format.
To be more specific, Manolakos in view of SEO also teaches a same or similar apparatus comprising processor, transceiver, and memory (Manolakos, see at least fig. 8 and 12), which are well known in the art and commonly used for providing and enabling robust and reliable data communication hardware and software.
Regarding claim 19, this claim is rejected for the same reasoning as claim 1. To be more specific, although reciting subject matters slightly different, one skilled in the art would have known claim 19 performs reverse (or corresponding) procedures of claim 1. For example, it would be a wireless communication node of claim 19 that performs the reverse (or corresponding) receiving from and transmitting to the wireless communication device of claim 1. Hence, the examiner applies the same rejection reasoning as set forth in claim 1.
Regarding claim 20, this claim is rejected for the same reasoning as claim 19 except this claim is in apparatus claim format.
To be more specific, Manolakos in view of SEO also teaches a same or similar apparatus comprising processor, transceiver, and memory (Manolakos, see at least fig. 8 and 12), which are well known in the art and commonly used for providing and enabling robust and reliable data communication hardware and software.
Claim 21 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Manolakos in view of SEO, as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of MANOLAKOS et al. (US 2021/0360611 A1, hereinafter MANOLAKOS_611).
Regarding claim 21, Manolakos in view of SEO teaches claim 1.
Manolakos in view of SEO does not teach reporting, by the wireless communication device, the TCI with at least one of a measurement, a radio link failure, a beam failure, or a minimization of drive test (MDT).
MANOLAKOS_611 teaches reporting, by the wireless communication device, the TCI with at least one of a measurement, a radio link failure, a beam failure, or a minimization of drive test (MDT). (MANOLAKOS_611, see at least para. 166, UE sends measurement report)
Therefore, it would have been obvious, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to a person having ordinary skill in the art to incorporate Manolakos in view of SEO into MANOLAKOS_611 for improving measurements for accuracy.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 04/28/2026 have been fully considered. Regarding independent claims 1, 18, 19, and 20, since applicant's amendment necessitated new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action, previous Office action's rejections are moot. Accordingly, corresponding dependent claims have also been rejected in this Office action.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to YEE F LAM whose telephone number is (571)270-7577. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8am-5pm. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Ayman Abaza can be reached on 571-270-0422. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/YEE F LAM/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2465
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