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 . Claims 28-57 are currently pending.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claim(s) 28-30, 46-49, and 55-57 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Cai et al. (US 20210258841 A1).
Regarding claim 28, Cai et al. disclose an apparatus for wireless communications at a user equipment (UE), comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory, the at least one processor configured to: communicate with a base station according to a first radio access technology in a first frequency range (paragraphs [0078-0079]; UE communicates with base station in NR, GSM, LTE, or 5G in respective frequency); perform measurements on a set of candidate cells of a second radio access technology or a second frequency range based at least in part on a determination for the UE to operate according to the second radio access technology or the second frequency range (paragraph [0118]; terminal device camps on one cell, the terminal device periodically searches for to select a better cell according to the cell reselection criterion) (paragraph [0132]; all cells are evaluated for cell selection criterion and sorted) (paragraph [0126]; when measuring an inter-frequency (two different frequencies or frequency ranges for mobility), the terminal device measures RSRP and RSRQ of an inter-frequency cell at least every T.sub.measure), wherein a first value of a first measurement parameter for a first cell and a second value of a second measurement parameter for the first cell are based at least in part on the measurements (paragraphs [0276-0280]; measurement quantity of the neighboring cell is determined by measuring a signal sent by the neighboring cell. The measurement quantity of the neighboring cell includes a reference signal received power RSRP of the neighboring cell described above, an RSRP-based value, reference signal received quality RSRQ of the neighboring cell, an RSRQ-based value. The RSRP of the neighboring cell may be used to indicate received power of the signal sent by the neighboring cell. The RSRQ of the neighboring cell may be used to indicate received quality of the signal sent by the neighboring cell) (paragraph [0285]; the RSRP-based value of the neighboring cell may be Srxlev used in the cell selection criterion. The RSRQ-based value of the neighboring cell may be Squal used in the cell selection criterion); and perform a mobility procedure to establish a connection with the first cell of the set of candidate cells (paragraph [0139]; the terminal device performs cell reselection to the cell (neighboring)) based at least in part on a determination that the first value of the first measurement parameter for the first cell satisfies a first threshold, and further based at least in part on a comparison of the second value of the second measurement parameter for the first cell to a second threshold, wherein the first measurement parameter corresponds to a different signal attribute than the second measurement parameter (paragraph [0126]; when measuring an inter-frequency (two different frequencies or frequency ranges) (mobility), the terminal device measures RSRP and RSRQ of an inter-frequency cell at least every T.sub.measure) (paragraphs [0029-0031]; ) (paragraph [0283-0285]; measurement quantity of the neighboring cell meets a preset condition for cell selection/reselection includes: at least one of the RSRP-based value of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to a threshold, the RSRQ-based value of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to another threshold, the SINR-based value is less than or equal to another threshold, the RSRP of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to another threshold, the RSRQ of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to another threshold, and the SINR is less than or equal to another threshold) (paragraph [0277]; the measurement quantity of the neighboring cell includes a reference signal received power RSRP of the neighboring cell described above, an RSRP-based value, reference signal received quality RSRQ of the neighboring cell, an RSRQ-based value, a ratio SINR of power to interference and noise power of a signal sent by the neighboring cell, and an SINR-based value. Thus, these values correspond to different signal attributes (RSRP-received power of a measured signal; RSRQ-received quality of a measured signal; SINR-ratio of the power of the measured signal)).
Regarding claim 29, Cai et al. further suggest wherein the at least one processor is configured to: receive, from the base station, a configuration identifying resources for the UE to measure, wherein the configuration indicates the first measurement parameter (paragraph [0223]; the parameter Srxlev used in the cell selection criterion S is the SS-RSRP (or RSRP)-based value, and the parameter Squal used in the cell selection criterion S is the SS-RSRQ (or RSRQ)-based value. Determining the SS-RSRP or the SS-RSRQ is based on the at least one of the CRS, the SSB, the CSI-RS, and the DMRS) (paragraph [0297]; parameters are configured by the network device); and determine, by the UE, the second measurement parameter based at least in part on the first measurement parameter (paragraph [0199]; the second threshold is determined based on the threshold used by the terminal device to determine to measure the inter-frequency).
Regarding claim 30, Cai et al. further suggest wherein the at least one processor is configured to: receive, from the base station, an indication for the UE to perform the mobility procedure; and determine, by the UE, the first measurement parameter and the second measurement parameter (paragraphs [0103-0109]; Srxlev is reference signal received power (reference signal received power, RSRP)-based value of a cell measured by a terminal device, and Squal is a reference signal received quality (reference signal received quality, RSRQ)-based value of the cell measured by the terminal device (for cell selection/reselection or inter-frequency (handover between frequencies)) (paragraph [0178]; the terminal device may determine the SS-RSRP and the SS-RSRQ based on the SSB. Specifically, the SSB includes a PSS, an SSS, and a PBCH, and the terminal device determines the SS-RSRP and the SS-RSRQ based on the SSS in the SSB).
Regarding claim 46, Cai et al. further suggest wherein the at least one processor is configured to: compare the second value to a set of values generated for the second measurement parameter for at least a portion of the set of candidate cells, wherein the second value is higher than each value of the set of values (paragraphs [0126-0132]; during sorting according to the R criterion, the terminal device may sort, according to the R criterion, all cells that meet the cell selection criterion S (measurements (RSRP and RSRP for inter-frequency/carrier) of all cells are inherently compared for sorting).
Regarding claim 47, Cai et al. further suggest wherein the mobility procedure is a cell reselection procedure, a cell redirection procedure, or a handover (paragraph [0007]).
Regarding claim 48, Cai et al. further suggest wherein the first measurement parameter is a reference signal received power, and the second measurement parameter is a reference signal received quality, or a signal to interference plus noise ratio, or a combination thereof (paragraph [0126]; when measuring an inter-frequency (two different frequencies or frequency ranges) (mobility), the terminal device measures RSRP and RSRQ of an inter-frequency cell at least every T.sub.measure) (paragraph [0283-0285]; measurement quantity of the neighboring cell meets a preset condition for cell selection/reselection includes: at least one of the RSRP-based value of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to a threshold, the RSRQ-based value of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to another threshold, the SINR-based value is less than or equal to another threshold, the RSRP of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to another threshold, the RSRQ of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to another threshold, and the SINR is less than or equal to another threshold).
Regarding claim 49, Cai et al. further suggest wherein the first radio access technology and the second radio access technology are a same radio access technology (paragraph [0086]; cells may belong to a same network (same technology).
Regarding claim 55, Cai et al. disclose an apparatus for wireless communications at a user equipment (UE), comprising: means for communicating with a base station according to a first radio access technology in a first frequency range (paragraphs [0078-0079]; UE communicates with base station in NR, GSM, LTE, or 5G in respective frequency); means for performing measurements on a set of candidate cells of a second radio access technology or a second frequency range based at least in part on a determination for the UE to operate according to the second radio access technology or the second frequency range (paragraph [0118]; terminal device camps on one cell, the terminal device periodically searches for to select a better cell according to the cell reselection criterion) (paragraph [0132]; all cells are evaluated for cell selection criterion and sorted) (paragraph [0126]; when measuring an inter-frequency (two different frequencies or frequency ranges for mobility), the terminal device measures RSRP and RSRQ of an inter-frequency cell at least every T.sub.measure), wherein a first value of a first measurement parameter for a first cell and a second value of a second measurement parameter for the first cell are based at least in part on the measurements (paragraphs [0276-0280]; measurement quantity of the neighboring cell is determined by measuring a signal sent by the neighboring cell. The measurement quantity of the neighboring cell includes a reference signal received power RSRP of the neighboring cell described above, an RSRP-based value, reference signal received quality RSRQ of the neighboring cell, an RSRQ-based value. The RSRP of the neighboring cell may be used to indicate received power of the signal sent by the neighboring cell. The RSRQ of the neighboring cell may be used to indicate received quality of the signal sent by the neighboring cell) (paragraph [0285]; the RSRP-based value of the neighboring cell may be Srxlev used in the cell selection criterion. The RSRQ-based value of the neighboring cell may be Squal used in the cell selection criterion); and means for performing a mobility procedure to establish a connection with the first cell of the set of candidate cells (paragraph [0139]; the terminal device performs cell reselection to the cell (neighboring)) based at least in part on a determination that the first value of the first measurement parameter for the first cell satisfies a first threshold, and further based at least in part on a comparison of the second value of the second measurement parameter for the first cell to a second threshold, wherein the first measurement parameter corresponds to a different signal attribute than the second measurement parameter (paragraph [0126]; when measuring an inter-frequency (two different frequencies or frequency ranges) (mobility), the terminal device measures RSRP and RSRQ of an inter-frequency cell at least every T.sub.measure) (paragraphs [0029-0031]; ) (paragraph [0283-0285]; measurement quantity of the neighboring cell meets a preset condition for cell selection/reselection includes: at least one of the RSRP-based value of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to a threshold, the RSRQ-based value of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to another threshold, the SINR-based value is less than or equal to another threshold, the RSRP of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to another threshold, the RSRQ of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to another threshold, and the SINR is less than or equal to another threshold) (paragraph [0277]; the measurement quantity of the neighboring cell includes a reference signal received power RSRP of the neighboring cell described above, an RSRP-based value, reference signal received quality RSRQ of the neighboring cell, an RSRQ-based value, a ratio SINR of power to interference and noise power of a signal sent by the neighboring cell, and an SINR-based value. Thus, these values correspond to different signal attributes (RSRP-received power of a measured signal; RSRQ-received quality of a measured signal; SINR-ratio of the power of the measured signal)).
Regarding claim 56, Cai et al. disclose a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications at a user equipment (UE), the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to: communicate with a base station according to a first radio access technology in a first frequency range (paragraphs [0078-0079]; UE communicates with base station in NR, GSM, LTE, or 5G in respective frequency); perform measurements on a set of candidate cells of a second radio access technology or a second frequency range based at least in part on a determination for the UE to operate according to the second radio access technology or the second frequency range (paragraph [0118]; terminal device camps on one cell, the terminal device periodically searches for to select a better cell according to the cell reselection criterion) (paragraph [0132]; all cells are evaluated for cell selection criterion and sorted) (paragraph [0126]; when measuring an inter-frequency (two different frequencies or frequency ranges for mobility), the terminal device measures RSRP and RSRQ of an inter-frequency cell at least every T.sub.measure), wherein a first value of a first measurement parameter for a first cell and a second value of a second measurement parameter for the first cell are based at least in part on the measurements (paragraphs [0276-0280]; measurement quantity of the neighboring cell is determined by measuring a signal sent by the neighboring cell. The measurement quantity of the neighboring cell includes a reference signal received power RSRP of the neighboring cell described above, an RSRP-based value, reference signal received quality RSRQ of the neighboring cell, an RSRQ-based value. The RSRP of the neighboring cell may be used to indicate received power of the signal sent by the neighboring cell. The RSRQ of the neighboring cell may be used to indicate received quality of the signal sent by the neighboring cell) (paragraph [0285]; the RSRP-based value of the neighboring cell may be Srxlev used in the cell selection criterion. The RSRQ-based value of the neighboring cell may be Squal used in the cell selection criterion); and perform a mobility procedure to establish a connection with a first cell of the set of candidate cells (paragraph [0139]; the terminal device performs cell reselection to the cell (neighboring)) based at least in part on a determination that the first value of the first measurement parameter for the first cell satisfies a first threshold, and further based at least in part on a comparison of the second value of the second measurement parameter for the first cell to a second threshold, wherein the first measurement parameter corresponds to a different signal attribute than the second measurement parameter (paragraph [0126]; when measuring an inter-frequency (two different frequencies or frequency ranges) (mobility), the terminal device measures RSRP and RSRQ of an inter-frequency cell at least every T.sub.measure) (paragraphs [0029-0031]; ) (paragraph [0283-0285]; measurement quantity of the neighboring cell meets a preset condition for cell selection/reselection includes: at least one of the RSRP-based value of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to a threshold, the RSRQ-based value of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to another threshold, the SINR-based value is less than or equal to another threshold, the RSRP of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to another threshold, the RSRQ of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to another threshold, and the SINR is less than or equal to another threshold) (paragraph [0277]; the measurement quantity of the neighboring cell includes a reference signal received power RSRP of the neighboring cell described above, an RSRP-based value, reference signal received quality RSRQ of the neighboring cell, an RSRQ-based value, a ratio SINR of power to interference and noise power of a signal sent by the neighboring cell, and an SINR-based value. Thus, these values correspond to different signal attributes (RSRP-received power of a measured signal; RSRQ-received quality of a measured signal; SINR-ratio of the power of the measured signal)).
Regarding claim 57, Cai et al. disclose a method for wireless communications at a user equipment (UE), comprising: communicating with a base station according to a first radio access technology in a first frequency range (paragraphs [0078-0079]; UE communicates with base station in NR, GSM, LTE, or 5G in respective frequency); performing measurements on a set of candidate cells of a second radio access technology or a second frequency range based at least in part on a determination for the UE to operate according to the second radio access technology or the second frequency range (paragraph [0118]; terminal device camps on one cell, the terminal device periodically searches for to select a better cell according to the cell reselection criterion) (paragraph [0132]; all cells are evaluated for cell selection criterion and sorted) (paragraph [0126]; when measuring an inter-frequency (two different frequencies or frequency ranges for mobility), the terminal device measures RSRP and RSRQ of an inter-frequency cell at least every T.sub.measure), wherein a first value of a first measurement parameter for a first cell and a second value of a second measurement parameter for the first cell are based at least in part on the measurements (paragraphs [0276-0280]; measurement quantity of the neighboring cell is determined by measuring a signal sent by the neighboring cell. The measurement quantity of the neighboring cell includes a reference signal received power RSRP of the neighboring cell described above, an RSRP-based value, reference signal received quality RSRQ of the neighboring cell, an RSRQ-based value. The RSRP of the neighboring cell may be used to indicate received power of the signal sent by the neighboring cell. The RSRQ of the neighboring cell may be used to indicate received quality of the signal sent by the neighboring cell) (paragraph [0285]; the RSRP-based value of the neighboring cell may be Srxlev used in the cell selection criterion. The RSRQ-based value of the neighboring cell may be Squal used in the cell selection criterion); and performing a mobility procedure to establish a connection with a first cell of the set of candidate cells (paragraph [0139]; the terminal device performs cell reselection to the cell (neighboring)) based at least in part on a determination that the first value of the first measurement parameter for the first cell satisfies a first threshold, and further based at least in part on a comparison of the second value of the second measurement parameter for the first cell to a second threshold, wherein the first measurement parameter corresponds to a different signal attribute than the second measurement parameter (paragraph [0126]; when measuring an inter-frequency (two different frequencies or frequency ranges) (mobility), the terminal device measures RSRP and RSRQ of an inter-frequency cell at least every T.sub.measure) (paragraphs [0029-0031]; ) (paragraph [0283-0285]; measurement quantity of the neighboring cell meets a preset condition for cell selection/reselection includes: at least one of the RSRP-based value of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to a threshold, the RSRQ-based value of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to another threshold, the SINR-based value is less than or equal to another threshold, the RSRP of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to another threshold, the RSRQ of the neighboring cell is less than or equal to another threshold, and the SINR is less than or equal to another threshold) (paragraph [0277]; the measurement quantity of the neighboring cell includes a reference signal received power RSRP of the neighboring cell described above, an RSRP-based value, reference signal received quality RSRQ of the neighboring cell, an RSRQ-based value, a ratio SINR of power to interference and noise power of a signal sent by the neighboring cell, and an SINR-based value. Thus, these values correspond to different signal attributes (RSRP-received power of a measured signal; RSRQ-received quality of a measured signal; SINR-ratio of the power of the measured signal)).
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 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.
Claim(s) 31-37, 43-45, and 50-54 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Cai et al. (US 20210258841 A1) in view of Prabhakar et al. (US 20210195439 A1).
Regarding claim 31, Prabhakar et al. disclose all the subject matter of the claimed invention as recited in claim 28 above without explicitly suggest generating a database of measurements made by the UE of the second radio access technology or the second frequency range before the determination for the UE to operate according to the second radio access technology or the second frequency range, wherein the second threshold is determined based at least in part on the database of measurements. However, Prabhakar et al. from the same or similar field of endeavor suggest generating a database of measurements made by the UE of the second radio access technology or the second frequency range before the determination for the UE to operate according to the second radio access technology or the second frequency range, wherein the second threshold is determined based at least in part on the database of measurements (paragraph [0138]; UE picks for performing mmW measurements may be determined based on the result of previous mmW measurements; past heuristics like PHY, L2 and beam characteristics; a number of times the particular mmW frequency was present in a previous Scell/PScell list (e.g., the PScell list may be considered higher priority); or presence in a table of information regarding most recently camped-on cells, such as a most recently used (MRU) table). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate in Prabhakar et al.’s method/system the step of generating a database of measurements made by the UE of the second radio access technology or the second frequency range before the determination for the UE to operate according to the second radio access technology or the second frequency range, wherein the second threshold is determined based at least in part on the database of measurements as suggested by Prabhakar et al. The motivation would have been to allow for increased performance by efficiently using the resources available to a network (paragraph [0109]).
Regarding claim 32, Cai et al. further suggest receive, from the base station, an indication of the first threshold (paragraph [0223]; the parameter Srxlev used in the cell selection criterion S is the SS-RSRP (or RSRP)-based value, and the parameter Squal used in the cell selection criterion S is the SS-RSRQ (or RSRQ)-based value. Determining the SS-RSRP or the SS-RSRQ is based on the at least one of the CRS, the SSB, the CSI-RS, and the DMRS) (paragraph [0297]; parameters are configured by the network device); and modify the first threshold based at least in part on the database of measurements of the second radio access technology or the second frequency range paragraph [0223]; the parameter Srxlev used in the cell selection criterion S is the SS-RSRP (or RSRP)-based value, and the parameter Squal used in the cell selection criterion S is the SS-RSRQ (or RSRQ)-based value. Determining the SS-RSRP or the SS-RSRQ is based on the at least one of the CRS, the SSB, the CSI-RS, and the DMRS) (paragraph [0297]; parameters are configured by the network device).Regarding claim 33, Prabhakar et al. further suggest wherein the at least one processor is configured to: generate generating, in the database of measurements, a history of measurements for each idle neighboring cell or connect neighboring cell corresponding to the set of candidate cells made before the determination for the UE to operate according to the second radio access technology or the second frequency range (paragraph [0138]; performing mmW measurements may be determined based on the result of previous mmW measurements; past heuristics like PHY, L2 and beam characteristics; a number of times the particular mmW frequency was present in a previous Scell/PScell list (e.g., the PScell list may be considered higher priority); or presence in a table of information regarding most recently camped-on cells, such as a most recently used (MRU) table) (paragraph [0028]; cell measurements are performed while the UE in RRC idle or connected mode) .
Regarding claim 34, Prabhakar et al. further suggest wherein the at least one processor is configured to: identify the set of candidate cells based at least in part on the database of measurements (paragraph [0138]; UE may report mmW measurement results for multiple gNBs and/or multiple component carriers (CCs) (cells). Performing mmW measurements may be determined based on the result of previous mmW measurements (stored); past heuristics like PHY, L2 and beam characteristics; a number of times the particular mmW frequency was present in a previous Scell/PScell list (e.g., the PScell list may be considered higher priority); or presence in a table of information regarding most recently camped-on cells).
Regarding claim 35, Prabhakar et al. further suggest wherein the first value of the first measurement parameter and the second value of the second measurement parameter are obtained from the database of measurements (paragraph [0138]; performing mmW measurements may be determined based on the result of previous mmW measurements; past heuristics like PHY, L2 and beam characteristics; a number of times the particular mmW frequency was present in a previous Scell/PScell list (e.g., the PScell list may be considered higher priority); or presence in a table of information regarding most recently camped-on cells, such as a most recently used (MRU) table (previous measurements and past heuristics are inherently stored for the present use)).
Regarding claim 36, Prabhakar et al. further suggest wherein, to generate the database of measurements, the at least one processor is configured to: generate the database of measurements based at least in part on measurements made for the set of candidate cells according to the first measurement parameter and the second measurement parameter before the determination for the UE to operate according to the second radio access technology or the second frequency range (paragraph [0138]; UE picks for performing mmW measurements may be determined based on the result of previous mmW measurements; past heuristics like PHY, L2 and beam characteristics; a number of times the particular mmW frequency was present in a previous Scell/PScell list (e.g., the PScell list may be considered higher priority); or presence in a table of information regarding most recently camped-on cells, such as a most recently used (MRU) table) (paragraph [0170]; the measurements are performed before determining whether an inter-RAT neighbor cell has a signal strength that exceeds a threshold and B2 measurements may determine whether both the serving cell becomes worse in signal strength than a first threshold and an inter-RAT neighbor cell becomes stronger in signal strength than a second threshold).
Regarding claim 37, Prabhakar et al. further suggest wherein the at least one processor is configured to: update the database of measurements based at least in part on more recent measurements for the set of candidate cells (paragraph [0119]; threshold parameter is updated locally).
Regarding claim 43, Prabhakar et al. further suggest wherein the at least one processor is configured to: compare a third value of the first measurement parameter for a second cell of the set of candidate cells to the first threshold, wherein the third value fails to satisfy the first threshold; and remove the second cell from the set of candidate cells (paragraphs [0200-0202]; perform signal quality measurements on each of the plurality of SCells, and transmit, to the network, a drop priority list indicating a preference for dropping at least a first SCell of the plurality of SCells) (paragraph [0170]; measurements are performed on neighboring cells for inter-RAT (between different radio access technologies in determining whether a neighboring cell on the same frequency range or not based on the measurements compared to first threshold and second threshold).
Regarding claim 44, Prabhakar et al. further suggest wherein the at least one processor is configured to: compare the first value of the first measurement parameter for the first cell of the set of candidate cells to the first threshold, wherein the first value satisfies the first threshold; and compare the second value of the second measurement parameter for the first cell to the second threshold, wherein the second value satisfies the second threshold, and wherein the mobility procedure is performed based at least in part on the second value of the second measurement parameter satisfying the second threshold (paragraph [0170]; performing mobility (moving to the neighboring cell) or not based on the measurements (B1 and B2) that the B1 measurements may determine whether an inter-RAT neighbor cell has a signal strength that exceeds a threshold and B2 measurements may determine whether both the serving cell becomes worse in signal strength than a first threshold and an inter-RAT neighbor cell becomes stronger in signal strength than a second threshold).
Regarding claim 45, Prabhakar et al. further suggest wherein the at least one processor is configured to: transmit, to the base station, a measurement report indicating the first cell based at least in part on the second value of the second measurement parameter for the first cell (paragraph [0175]; the UE may prioritize the Sub6 cell over the mmW cell and report measurements on the Sub6 cell. In some embodiments, hysteresis may be employed where a cell Sub6 cell is not prioritized unless it has a signal strength greater than a hysteresis value).
Regarding claim 50, Prabhakar et al. further suggest wherein the first radio access technology is a different radio access technology from the second radio access technology (paragraph [0213]; inter-RAT).
Regarding claim 51, Prabhakar et al. further suggest wherein the first radio access technology is New Radio and the second radio access technology is Long Term Evolution (abstract).
Regarding claim 52, Prabhakar et al. further suggest wherein the first frequency range and the second frequency range are a same frequency range (paragraph [0170]).
Regarding claim 53, Prabhakar et al. further suggest wherein the first frequency range is a different frequency range from the second frequency range (paragraph [0170]).
Regarding claim 54, Prabhakar et al. further suggest wherein the first frequency range is Frequency Range 2 and the second frequency range is Frequency Range 1 or Frequency Range (paragraph [0113]; FR1 and FR2).
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 38-42 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
Response to Remarks/Arguments
Applicant's remarks/arguments, on pages 11-13 filed 07/29/2026, regarding Cai reference with respect to claims 28, 55-57 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Applicant submits that Cai does not disclose features of amended independent claims 28 and 55-57. Particularly, Applicant submits that the "cell reselection" of Cai is not performed based on values of two different measurement parameters that correspond to different signal attributes. In Cai, the "cell reselection" is performed according to an R criterion, which is based on RSRP measurements of a serving cell and a neighboring cell. RSRP measurements on different cells are not the same as measurement parameters that correspond to different signal attributes. Indeed, an RSRP measurement on a serving cell and an RSRP measurement on a neighboring cell both correspond to a same signal attribute-which is RSRP. Although Cai mentions RSRP and RSRQ, Cai fails to disclose that the "cell reselection" is performed based on the RSRP and the RSRQ. Instead, Cai describes that RSRP and RSRQ are measured to determine whether inter-frequency or intra-frequency is measured. A determination of whether to measure inter- frequency or intra-frequency based on RSRP and RSRQ does not disclose a mobility procedure performed based on values of two different measurement parameters that correspond to different signal attributes. Thus, Cai does not disclose at least: wherein a first value of a first measurement parameter for a first cell and a second value of a second measurement parameter for the first cell are based at least in part on the measurements, and wherein the first measurement parameter corresponds to a different signal attribute than the second measurement parameter. In response, the Examiner respectfully disagrees with the Applicant’s assertion that Cai does not disclose the feature “wherein a first value of a first measurement parameter for a first cell and a second value of a second measurement parameter for the first cell are based at least in part on the measurements, and wherein the first measurement parameter corresponds to a different signal attribute than the second measurement parameter” of the amended claims 28. Cai, in paragraphs [0276-0280], discloses that the measurement quantity of the neighboring cell is determined by measuring a signal sent by the neighboring cell. The measurement quantity of the neighboring cell includes a reference signal received power RSRP of the neighboring cell described above, an RSRP-based value, reference signal received quality RSRQ of the neighboring cell, an RSRQ-based value. The RSRP of the neighboring cell may be used to indicate received power of the signal sent by the neighboring cell. The RSRQ of the neighboring cell may be used to indicate received quality of the signal sent by the neighboring cell. Thus, the values of measurement parameters RSRP, RSRQ of the neighboring cell are of one cell. Further, the RSRP-based value of the neighboring cell may be Srxlev used in the cell selection criterion. The RSRQ-based value of the neighboring cell may be Squal used in the cell selection criterion (mobility procedure) (paragraph [0285]). Therefore, cell reselection of Cai is performed based on values of two different measurement parameters that corresponds to different signal attributes (RSRP-received power of a measured signal; RSRQ-received quality of a measured signal). Thus, Cai clearly discloses “wherein a first value of a first measurement parameter for a first cell and a second value of a second measurement parameter for the first cell are based at least in part on the measurements, and wherein the first measurement parameter corresponds to a different signal attribute than the second measurement parameter” as claimed. The rejections of claims 28, 55-57 have been maintained for at least the reasons discussed above. Other rejections of dependent claims which depends on claim 28 also have been maintained for at least the same reasons discussed with respect to claim 28 above.
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. 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.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to HOANG-CHUONG Q VU whose telephone number is (571)270-3945. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday (9:30-5:30 PM EST.).
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HOANG-CHUONG Q. VU
Primary Examiner
Art Unit 2476
/HOANG-CHUONG Q VU/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2476
