Prosecution Insights
Last updated: July 17, 2026
Application No. 18/250,249

METHOD FOR DATA PROCESSING AND USER EQUIPMENT

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Apr 24, 2023
Priority
Oct 23, 2020 — CN 202011149526.8 +1 more
Examiner
VOLTAIRE, JEAN F
Art Unit
2417
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Unisoc (Shanghai) Technologies Co., Ltd.
OA Round
2 (Final)
84%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
0m
Est. Remaining
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 84% — above average
84%
Career Allowance Rate
352 granted / 421 resolved
+25.6% vs TC avg
Strong +16% interview lift
Without
With
+15.5%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 10m
Avg Prosecution
18 currently pending
Career history
459
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.4%
-39.6% vs TC avg
§103
78.8%
+38.8% vs TC avg
§102
15.6%
-24.4% vs TC avg
§112
0.4%
-39.6% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 421 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
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 . Response to amendment 2. This is a Final Office action in response to applicant’s remarks and arguments filed on 12/30/2025. 3. Status of the claims: • Claims 1, 20, and 37 have been amended. • Claims 2-3, 6-8, and 38-45 have been canceled. • Claims 46-51 have been added. • Claims 1, 9-20, 37, 46-51 are currently pending and have been examined. Response to remarks/arguments 4. Applicant’s remarks and arguments filed on 12/30/2025 with respect to amended independent claims 1, 20, and 37 have been fully considered but are moot in view of the new ground(s) of rejection. Upon further search and consideration, a new ground(s) of obviousness rejection is made in view of Papasakellariou (US 20200304230 A1). 5. In response to Applicant’s remarks and arguments filed on 12/30/2025 regarding amended independent claims 1, 20, and 37, the Examiner acknowledges that Reial does not explicitly teach the newly recited features as argued by Applicant. However, the system of Papasakellariou (US 20200304230 A1) cures this deficiency. Please see the rejection below. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 6. In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. 7. 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. 8. The factual inquiries 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. 9. This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention. 10. Claims 1, 9-20, 37, 46-51 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Reial et al. (US 20230127023 A1) in view of Papasakellariou (US 20200304230 A1). Regarding claim 1, Reial discloses a method for data processing (method of FIG. 7), comprising: receiving a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and obtaining one or more bits in the PDCCH (Reial, para. 76, 90, 134: The UE is configured to blindly monitor a search space for a PDCCH, and upon detecting a valid DCI message, the UE receives the corresponding downlink data. Noted that the DCI message or DCI bitfield is transmitted over the PDCCH or the PDCCH carries the DCI message. By virtue of monitoring the PDCCH by decoding/detecting the DCI, the UE can directly determine whether there is variation or change in the search space based on the content of the DCI field/indication); and determining whether parameter change occurs to one or more search space sets based on the one or more bits (Reial, para. 76, 90, 134: The DCI message or DCI bitfield is transmitted over the PDCCH or the PDCCH carries the DCI message. By virtue of monitoring the PDCCH by decoding/detecting the DCI, the UE can directly determine whether there is variation or change in the search space based on the content of the DCI field/indication). Reial does not appear to explicitly disclose wherein for each search space set among the one or more search space sets, parameter non-change of the search space set indicates that a periodicity of the search space set is a first periodicity of a configured search space set, and parameter change of the search space set indicates that the periodicity of the search space set is a second periodicity of the configured search space set, wherein the first periodicity is different from the second periodicity. In the same field of endeavor, Papasakellariou teaches wherein for each search space set among the one or more search space sets (Papasakellariou, para. [116]: one or more search space sets), parameter non-change of the search space set indicates that a periodicity of the search space set is a first periodicity of a configured search space set (Papasakellariou, para. [116]: a dynamic adaptation to a PDCCH monitoring periodicity may not apply for a search space set (e.g., Examiner interprets as parameter non-change of the search space set since dynamic adaptation to a PDCCH monitoring periodicity may not apply for a search space set) associated with DCI formats and a dynamic adaptation to a PDCCH monitoring periodicity may not apply for a search space set associated with a same CORESET as for a search space set for DCI formats), and parameter change of the search space set indicates that the periodicity of the search space set is a second periodicity of the configured search space set (Papasakellariou, para. [116]: a first set of search space sets can be adjusted to a second PDCCH monitoring periodicity for the search space set or to a second set of search space sets (e.g., Examiner interprets as parameter change of the search space set), respectively, to provide the UE with a capability for power savings), wherein the first periodicity is different from the second periodicity (Papasakellariou, para. [116]: Switching a PDCCH monitoring periodicity can be associated with different search space sets having corresponding different values for a PDCCH monitoring periodicity). It would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teaching of Reial with the teaching of Papasakellariou by using the above features such as for each search space set among the one or more search space sets, parameter non-change of the search space set indicates that a periodicity of the search space set is a first periodicity of a configured search space set, and parameter change of the search space set indicates that the periodicity of the search space set is a second periodicity of the configured search space set, wherein the first periodicity is different from the second periodicity as taught by Papasakellariou. The motivation for doing so would have been to provide a method and apparatus for scheduling in communication systems that have multiple service/priority types (para. [0004]). Regarding claim 9, Reial and Papasakellariou disclose the method of claim 1, further comprising: starting a timer upon determining that parameter change occurs to a search space set (Reial, para. 76, 90, 98, 134: In response to the scheduled active interval 210a occurring concurrently with monitoring opportunities of the C-DRX configuration 230, the UE 105 starts monitoring at the beginning of the scheduled active interval 210a (i.e., at the beginning of its onDuration interval). By virtue of monitoring the PDCCH by decoding/detecting the DCI, the UE can directly determine whether there is variation or change in the search space based on the content of the DCI field/indication); and determining that parameter non-change occurs to the search space set in response to expiration of the timer (Reial, para. 111, 114: the UE 105 is configured to switch back to monitoring in accordance with the C-DRX monitoring pattern 230 upon expiration of the timer. Correspondingly, when the UE 105 switches to use the fifth GTS-SS, expiration of the timer controls when the UE 105 reinstates the monitoring-SS). Regarding claim 10, Reial and Papasakellariou disclose the method of claim 1, further comprising: determining that parameter non-change occurs to a search space set in a next discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle (Reial, para. 90-91, 121-122: FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show GTS-SS-based monitoring opportunities that occur every onDuration of the C-DRX configuration). Regarding claim 11, Reial and Papasakellariou disclose the method of claim 1, wherein determining whether parameter change occurs to the one or more search space sets based on the one or more bits, comprises: determining whether parameter change occurs to one search space set based on one bit (Reial, para. 76, 90, 134: The DCI message or DCI bitfield is transmitted over the PDCCH or the PDCCH carries the DCI message. By virtue of monitoring the PDCCH by decoding/detecting the DCI, the UE can directly determine whether there is variation or change in the search space based on the content of the DCI field/indication). Regarding claim 12, Reial and Papasakellariou disclose the method of claim 11, wherein the one search space set is a search space set to which the PDCCH belongs (Reial, para. 76, 82, 97: the UE is configured to blindly monitor a search space for a PDCCH). Regarding claim 13, Reial and Papasakellariou disclose the method of claim 11, wherein parameter non-change is determined to occur to the one search space set on condition that the one bit indicates parameter non-change (Reial, para. 124: the access node may configure both GTS- and monitoring-SSs in the same BWPs, e.g. providing multiple SS configurations in the RRC configuration); and parameter change is determined to occur to the one search space set on condition that the one bit indicates parameter change (Reial, para. 76, 90, 134: The DCI message or DCI bitfield is transmitted over the PDCCH or the PDCCH carries the DCI message. By virtue of monitoring the PDCCH by decoding/detecting the DCI, the UE can directly determine whether there is variation or change in the search space based on the content of the DCI field/indication). Regarding claim 14, Reial and Papasakellariou disclose the method of claim 1, wherein determining whether parameter change occurs to the one or more search space sets based on the one or more bits, comprises: determining whether parameter change occurs to two search space sets based on two bits (Reial, para. 134: the indication is in the form of a new DCI bit field, or reuses one or more existing DCI bitfields. As one particular example, the cross-slot bit field is reused to indicate a switch of monitoring opportunity configurations in Rel-16 networks. Alternatively, the UE 105 may be sent a scheduling DCI with a BWP change indication, e.g., to switch the UE 105 from monitoring a BWP in accordance with the monitoring-SS to another BWP in accordance with the GTS-SS). Regarding claim 15, Reial and Papasakellariou disclose the method of claim 14, wherein the two search space sets comprise a search space set to which the PDCCH belongs and a search space set associated with the PDCCH (Reial, para. 76, 82, 97: the UE is configured to blindly monitor a search space for a PDCCH. The UE would monitor in each slot 68 in which the UE has a monitoring opportunity of the C-DRX monitoring pattern 230 scheduled (which reflects the monitoring-SS in which a PDCCH may potentially be found)). Regarding claim 16, Reial and Papasakellariou disclose the method of claim 14, wherein parameter non-change is determined to occur to a search space set corresponding to one bit in the two bits on condition that the one bit indicates parameter non-change (Reial, para. 124: the access node may configure both GTS- and monitoring-SSs in the same BWPs, e.g. providing multiple SS configurations in the RRC configuration); and parameter change is determined to occur to the search space set corresponding to the one bit in the two bits on condition that the one bit indicates parameter change (Reial, para. 134: the indication is in the form of a new DCI bit field, or reuses one or more existing DCI bitfields. As one particular example, the cross-slot bit field is reused to indicate a switch of monitoring opportunity configurations in Rel-16 networks. Alternatively, the UE 105 may be sent a scheduling DCI with a BWP change indication, e.g., to switch the UE 105 from monitoring a BWP in accordance with the monitoring-SS to another BWP in accordance with the GTS-SS). Regarding claim 17, Reial and Papasakellariou disclose the method of claim 1, wherein determining whether parameter change occurs to the one or more search space sets based on the one or more bits, comprises: determining whether parameter change occurs to a plurality of search space sets based on at least two bits (Reial, para. 134: the indication is in the form of a new DCI bit field, or reuses one or more existing DCI bitfields. As one particular example, the cross-slot bit field is reused to indicate a switch of monitoring opportunity configurations in Rel-16 networks. Alternatively, the UE 105 may be sent a scheduling DCI with a BWP change indication, e.g., to switch the UE 105 from monitoring a BWP in accordance with the monitoring-SS to another BWP in accordance with the GTS-SS). Regarding claim 18, Reial and Papasakellariou disclose the method of claim 17, wherein the plurality of search space sets comprise a search space set to which the PDCCH belongs and at least two search space sets associated with the PDCCH (Reial, para. 76, 82, 97: the UE is configured to blindly monitor a search space for a PDCCH. The UE would monitor in each slot 68 in which the UE has a monitoring opportunity of the C-DRX monitoring pattern 230 scheduled (which reflects the monitoring-SS in which a PDCCH may potentially be found)). Regarding claim 19, Reial and Papasakellariou disclose the method of claim 17, further comprising: determining whether parameter change occurs to each search space set in the plurality of search space sets on condition that the at least two bits indicate target information, wherein the target information contains information indicative of whether parameter change occurs to each search space set in the plurality of search space sets (Reial, para. 134: the indication is in the form of a new DCI bit field, or reuses one or more existing DCI bitfields. As one particular example, the cross-slot bit field is reused to indicate a switch of monitoring opportunity configurations in Rel-16 networks. Alternatively, the UE 105 may be sent a scheduling DCI with a BWP change indication, e.g., to switch the UE 105 from monitoring a BWP in accordance with the monitoring-SS to another BWP in accordance with the GTS-SS). Regarding claim 20, Reial discloses a method for data processing (Method of FIG. 7), comprising: transmitting a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), wherein one or more bits in the PDCCH are used to determine whether parameter change occurs to one or more search space sets (Reial, para. 76, 90, 134: The UE is configured to blindly monitor a search space for a PDCCH, and upon detecting a valid DCI message, the UE receives the corresponding downlink data. Noted that the DCI message or DCI bitfield is transmitted over the PDCCH or the PDCCH carries the DCI message. By virtue of monitoring the PDCCH by decoding/detecting the DCI, the UE can directly determine whether there is variation or change in the search space based on the content of the DCI field/indication). Reial does not appear to explicitly disclose wherein for each search space set among the one or more search space sets, parameter non-change of the search space set indicates that a periodicity of the search space set is a first periodicity of a configured search space set, and parameter change of the search space set indicates that the periodicity of the search space set is a second periodicity of the configured search space set, wherein the first periodicity is different from the second periodicity. In the same field of endeavor, Papasakellariou teaches wherein for each search space set among the one or more search space sets (Papasakellariou, para. [116]: one or more search space sets), parameter non-change of the search space set indicates that a periodicity of the search space set is a first periodicity of a configured search space set (Papasakellariou, para. [116]: a dynamic adaptation to a PDCCH monitoring periodicity may not apply for a search space set (e.g., Examiner interprets as parameter non-change of the search space set since dynamic adaptation to a PDCCH monitoring periodicity may not apply for a search space set) associated with DCI formats and a dynamic adaptation to a PDCCH monitoring periodicity may not apply for a search space set associated with a same CORESET as for a search space set for DCI formats), and parameter change of the search space set indicates that the periodicity of the search space set is a second periodicity of the configured search space set (Papasakellariou, para. [116]: a first set of search space sets can be adjusted to a second PDCCH monitoring periodicity for the search space set or to a second set of search space sets (e.g., Examiner interprets as parameter change of the search space set), respectively, to provide the UE with a capability for power savings), wherein the first periodicity is different from the second periodicity (Papasakellariou, para. [116]: Switching a PDCCH monitoring periodicity can be associated with different search space sets having corresponding different values for a PDCCH monitoring periodicity). It would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teaching of Reial with the teaching of Papasakellariou by using the above features such as for each search space set among the one or more search space sets, parameter non-change of the search space set indicates that a periodicity of the search space set is a first periodicity of a configured search space set, and parameter change of the search space set indicates that the periodicity of the search space set is a second periodicity of the configured search space set, wherein the first periodicity is different from the second periodicity as taught by Papasakellariou. The motivation for doing so would have been to provide a method and apparatus for scheduling in communication systems that have multiple service/priority types (para. [0004]). Regarding claim 37, Reial discloses a user equipment (UE), comprising: a transceiver (FIG. 9: interface circuitry 830); a processor (FIG. 9: processing circuitry 810) coupled with the transceiver; and a memory (FIG. 9: memory circuitry 820) storing a computer program which, when executed by the processor, causes the UE to: receive a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), obtain one or more bits in the PDCCH (Reial, para. 76, 90, 134: The UE is configured to blindly monitor a search space for a PDCCH, and upon detecting a valid DCI message, the UE receives the corresponding downlink data. Noted that the DCI message or DCI bitfield is transmitted over the PDCCH or the PDCCH carries the DCI message. By virtue of monitoring the PDCCH by decoding/detecting the DCI, the UE can directly determine whether there is variation or change in the search space based on the content of the DCI field/indication); and determine whether parameter change occurs to one or more search space sets based on the one or more bits (Reial, para. 76, 90, 134: The UE is configured to blindly monitor a search space for a PDCCH, and upon detecting a valid DCI message, the UE receives the corresponding downlink data. Noted that the DCI message or DCI bitfield is transmitted over the PDCCH or the PDCCH carries the DCI message. By virtue of monitoring the PDCCH by decoding/detecting the DCI, the UE can directly determine whether there is variation or change in the search space based on the content of the DCI field/indication). Reial does not appear to explicitly disclose wherein for each search space set among the one or more search space sets, parameter non-change of the search space set indicates that a periodicity of the search space set is a first periodicity of a configured search space set, and parameter change of the search space set indicates that the periodicity of the search space set is a second periodicity of the configured search space set, wherein the first periodicity is different from the second periodicity. In the same field of endeavor, Papasakellariou teaches wherein for each search space set among the one or more search space sets (Papasakellariou, para. [116]: one or more search space sets), parameter non-change of the search space set indicates that a periodicity of the search space set is a first periodicity of a configured search space set (Papasakellariou, para. [116]: a dynamic adaptation to a PDCCH monitoring periodicity may not apply for a search space set (e.g., Examiner interprets as parameter non-change of the search space set since dynamic adaptation to a PDCCH monitoring periodicity may not apply for a search space set) associated with DCI formats and a dynamic adaptation to a PDCCH monitoring periodicity may not apply for a search space set associated with a same CORESET as for a search space set for DCI formats), and parameter change of the search space set indicates that the periodicity of the search space set is a second periodicity of the configured search space set (Papasakellariou, para. [116]: a first set of search space sets can be adjusted to a second PDCCH monitoring periodicity for the search space set or to a second set of search space sets (e.g., Examiner interprets as parameter change of the search space set), respectively, to provide the UE with a capability for power savings), wherein the first periodicity is different from the second periodicity (Papasakellariou, para. [116]: Switching a PDCCH monitoring periodicity can be associated with different search space sets having corresponding different values for a PDCCH monitoring periodicity). It would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teaching of Reial with the teaching of Papasakellariou by using the above features such as for each search space set among the one or more search space sets, parameter non-change of the search space set indicates that a periodicity of the search space set is a first periodicity of a configured search space set, and parameter change of the search space set indicates that the periodicity of the search space set is a second periodicity of the configured search space set, wherein the first periodicity is different from the second periodicity as taught by Papasakellariou. The motivation for doing so would have been to provide a method and apparatus for scheduling in communication systems that have multiple service/priority types (para. [0004]). Regarding claim 46, Reial and Papasakellariou disclose the UE of claim 37, wherein the computer program is further executed by the processor to cause the UE to: start a timer upon determining that parameter change occurs to a search space set (Reial, para. 76, 90, 98, 134: In response to the scheduled active interval 210a occurring concurrently with monitoring opportunities of the C-DRX configuration 230, the UE 105 starts monitoring at the beginning of the scheduled active interval 210a (i.e., at the beginning of its onDuration interval). By virtue of monitoring the PDCCH by decoding/detecting the DCI, the UE can directly determine whether there is variation or change in the search space based on the content of the DCI field/indication); and determine that parameter non-change occurs to the search space set in response to expiration of the timer (Reial, para. 111, 114: the UE 105 is configured to switch back to monitoring in accordance with the C-DRX monitoring pattern 230 upon expiration of the timer. Correspondingly, when the UE 105 switches to use the fifth GTS-SS, expiration of the timer controls when the UE 105 reinstates the monitoring-SS). Regarding claim 47, Reial and Papasakellariou disclose the UE of claim 37, wherein the computer program is further executed by the processor to cause the UE to: determine that parameter non-change occurs to a search space set in a next discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle (DRX) cycle (Reial, para. 90-91, 121-122: FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show GTS-SS-based monitoring opportunities that occur every onDuration of the C-DRX configuration). Regarding claim 48, Reial and Papasakellariou disclose the UE of claim 37, wherein the computer program causing the UE to determine whether parameter change occurs to the one or more search space sets based on the one or more bits is executed by the processor to cause the UE to: determine whether parameter change occurs to one search space set based on one bit (Reial, para. 76, 90, 134: The DCI message or DCI bitfield is transmitted over the PDCCH or the PDCCH carries the DCI message. By virtue of monitoring the PDCCH by decoding/detecting the DCI, the UE can directly determine whether there is variation or change in the search space based on the content of the DCI field/indication). Regarding claim 49, Reial and Papasakellariou disclose the UE of claim 48, wherein the one search space set is a search space set to which the PDCCH belongs (Reial, para. 76, 82, 97: the UE is configured to blindly monitor a search space for a PDCCH). Regarding claim 50, Reial and Papasakellariou disclose the UE of claim 48, wherein parameter non-change is determined to occur to the one search space set on condition that the one bit indicates parameter non-change (Reial, para. 124: the access node may configure both GTS- and monitoring-SSs in the same BWPs, e.g. providing multiple SS configurations in the RRC configuration); and parameter change is determined to occur to the one search space set on condition that the one bit indicates parameter change (Reial, para. 76, 90, 134: The DCI message or DCI bitfield is transmitted over the PDCCH or the PDCCH carries the DCI message. By virtue of monitoring the PDCCH by decoding/detecting the DCI, the UE can directly determine whether there is variation or change in the search space based on the content of the DCI field/indication). Regarding claim 51, Reial and Papasakellariou disclose the UE of claim 37, wherein the computer program causing the UE to determine whether parameter change occurs to the one or more search space sets based on the one or more bits is executed by the processor to cause the UE to: determine whether parameter change occurs to two search space sets based on two bits (Reial, para. 134: the indication is in the form of a new DCI bit field, or reuses one or more existing DCI bitfields. As one particular example, the cross-slot bit field is reused to indicate a switch of monitoring opportunity configurations in Rel-16 networks. Alternatively, the UE 105 may be sent a scheduling DCI with a BWP change indication, e.g., to switch the UE 105 from monitoring a BWP in accordance with the monitoring-SS to another BWP in accordance with the GTS-SS), wherein the two search space sets comprise a search space set to which the PDCCH belongs and a search space set associated with the PDCCH (Reial, para. 76, 82, 97: the UE is configured to blindly monitor a search space for a PDCCH. The UE would monitor in each slot 68 in which the UE has a monitoring opportunity of the C-DRX monitoring pattern 230 scheduled (which reflects the monitoring-SS in which a PDCCH may potentially be found)), and the two bits and the two search space sets are in one-to-one correspondence; wherein on condition that one bit in the two bits indicates parameter non-change, parameter non-change is determined to occur to a search space set corresponding to the one bit in the two search space sets (Reial, para. 134: the indication is in the form of a new DCI bit field, or reuses one or more existing DCI bitfields. As one particular example, the cross-slot bit field is reused to indicate a switch of monitoring opportunity configurations in Rel-16 networks. Alternatively, the UE 105 may be sent a scheduling DCI with a BWP change indication, e.g., to switch the UE 105 from monitoring a BWP in accordance with the monitoring-SS to another BWP in accordance with the GTS-SS); wherein on condition that the one bit in the two bits indicates parameter change (Reial, para. 134: the indication is in the form of a new DCI bit field, or reuses one or more existing DCI bitfields. As one particular example, the cross-slot bit field is reused to indicate a switch of monitoring opportunity configurations in Rel-16 networks. Alternatively, the UE 105 may be sent a scheduling DCI with a BWP change indication), parameter change is determined to occur to the search space set corresponding to the one bit in the two search space sets (Reial, para. 76, 90, 134: The DCI message or DCI bitfield is transmitted over the PDCCH or the PDCCH carries the DCI message. By virtue of monitoring the PDCCH by decoding/detecting the DCI, the UE can directly determine whether there is variation or change in the search space based on the content of the DCI field/indication). Conclusion 11. 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. 12. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JEAN F VOLTAIRE whose telephone number is (571)272-3953. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 9:30-6:30 PM. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, REBECCA E. SONG can be reached at (571)270-3667. 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. /JEAN F VOLTAIRE/Examiner, Art Unit 2417 /REBECCA E SONG/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2417
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Apr 24, 2023
Application Filed
Apr 24, 2023
Response after Non-Final Action
Apr 02, 2024
Response after Non-Final Action
Sep 30, 2025
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Dec 30, 2025
Response Filed
Jun 02, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

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Patent 12634893
NARROW BANDWIDTH OPERATION IN LTE
6y 8m to grant Granted May 19, 2026
Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
84%
Grant Probability
99%
With Interview (+15.5%)
2y 10m (~0m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 421 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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