DETAILED ACTION
Status of Case
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
This Office Action is in response to the claims filed on 6/2/2023.
Claims 1, 3-10, 12-18, 21, 23 are pending.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed on 11/4/2025 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Applicant states that “According to Das, EMLSR mode subfield is set to indicate the capability whether the MLD supports the EMLSR mode. However, Das does not specifically take into account identifying performing the EMLSR operation on ones of the multiple links” (see page 9 of Applicant’s latest remarks).
In response, Examiner respectfully disagrees.
Examiner notes that the disclosure in Das reciting the subfield being set to indicate the capability whether the MLD supports the EMLSR mode therefore implies that the EMLSR is performed. The EMLSR operation, by definition, is performed on a link, and the fact that Das discloses that the EMLSR capability is at the MLD-level provides further support that the EMLSR is performed on one of the multiple links (see slide 11, where Das discloses that “The draft 0.1 spec mentions that EMLSR and EMLMR capability are at MLD-level”).
Applicant further states that the secondary reference of Hsu does not disclose performing the EMLSR operation (see page 11 of Applicant’s latest remarks).
In response, Examiner respectfully disagrees.
Examiner notes that the primary reference of Das, and not the secondary the reference of Hsu, was relied upon to disclose the teaching of the EMLSR operation. Since the rejection of the claims was via 35 U.S.C. 103, the references must be viewed in combination with, and in light of, each other rather than being analyzed individually and without reference to the combined teachings of the references. Therefore, Hsu’s teachings must be viewed in light of Das’ disclosure of the EMLSR operation rather than individually analyzing Hsu’s teachings without considering Das’ teachings.
Thus, based on the above remarks, and absent any amendments to the claims which clearly overcome the prior art of record, Examiner maintains the rejection.
Examiner invites Applicant to a telephonic interview to discuss the above remarks and to discuss potential claim amendments that can overcome the prior art of record.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 1, 3-10, 12-18, 21, 23 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Das (“STR capability signalling”, July 22, 2020; IEEE 802.11-20/1085r5, 18 pages) (cited in Applicant’s IDS filed on 2/28/2024) in view of Hsu (USPAN 2021/0068171).
Consider claims 1 and 21, Das discloses a method for communication on multiple links, applied to a multi-link device (see slides 3-4 and 7 (reproduced below for convenience), wherein disclosed is said method), and a corresponding multi-link device, comprising a processor; and a memory storing a computer program executable by the processor (see slide 5: a single non-AP radio STA inherently comprises said processor and memory storing computer program executable by the processor), wherein the processor is configured to:
determine a first message frame, wherein the first message frame comprises first information configured to identify that the multi-link device performs enhanced multi-link single-radio (EMLSR) operation on ones of multiple links (see slide 11: “An MLD with dot11HETEMLSROptionImplemented equal to true shall set the EMLSR mode subfield of the TBD Capabilities element, which is an MLD level capabilities element, to 1”); and
send the first message frame (see Background and slides 3-4: ML capability signalling…MLD-level information sharing…new “ML element”: a new element will be defined as a container to advertise and exchange capability information for multi-link setup).
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Although Das discloses performing the EMLSR operation (see above), Das does not specifically disclose the first information comprises link identifiers corresponding to the ones of the multiple links.
Hsu discloses that the first information comprises link identifiers corresponding to the ones of the multiple links (see paragraph 23: link channel ID).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the invention of Das and combine it with the noted teachings of Hsu. The motivation to combine these references is to provide a control link switch method employed by a multi-link device and providing an innovative link switch mechanism (see paragraphs 2-3 of Hsu).
Consider claims 3 and 12, Das does not specifically disclose that the first information further comprises handover latency identification information indicating handover from one link to another link for data transmission.
Hsu discloses that the first information further comprises handover latency identification information indicating handover from one link to another link for data transmission (see paragraph 27: switch delay).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the invention of Das and combine it with the noted teachings of Hsu. The motivation to combine these references is to provide a control link switch method employed by a multi-link device and providing an innovative link switch mechanism (see paragraphs 2-3 of Hsu).
Consider claims 4 and 13, Das discloses that the first information is carried in the first message frame in the form of a multi-link information element (see slides 7 and 8: the usage of ML IE (multi-link information element)).
Consider claims 5 and 14, Das discloses that the first message frame further comprises an identification bit indicating that the multi-link device supports EMLSR (see slide 11: an MLD with dot11EHTEMLSROptionImplemented equal to true shall set the EMLSR mode subfield of the TBD Capabilities element, which is an MLD level capabilities element, to 1).
Consider claims 6 and 15, Das discloses that the identification bit is comprised in an extremely high throughput (EHT) capabilities information element of the first message frame (see slide 11: an MLD with dot11EHTEMLSROptionImplemented equal to true shall set the EMLSR mode subfield of the TBD Capabilities element, which is an MLD level capabilities element, to 1).
Consider claims 7 and 16, although Das discloses performing the EMLSR operation (see above) Das does not specifically disclose receiving a second message frame, wherein the second message frame comprises parameter information.
Hsu discloses receiving a second message frame, wherein the second message frame comprises parameter information (see paragraph 23: receiving a message comprising parameter information, wherein the message in Hsu’s disclosure is a “second message” relative to Das’s disclosure).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the invention of Das and combine it with the noted teachings of Hsu. The motivation to combine these references is to provide a control link switch method employed by a multi-link device and providing an innovative link switch mechanism (see paragraphs 2-3 of Hsu).
Consider claims 8 and 17, Das does not disclose that the parameter information comprises at least one of: information on spatial streams; information on modulation and coding scheme; information on physical layer protocol data unit; or information on frame type.
Hsu discloses that the parameter information comprises at least one of: information on spatial streams; information on modulation and coding scheme; information on physical layer protocol data unit; or information on frame type (see paragraph 23: information on a frame type).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the invention of Das and combine it with the noted teachings of Hsu. The motivation to combine these references is to provide a control link switch method employed by a multi-link device and providing an innovative link switch mechanism (see paragraphs 2-3 of Hsu).
Consider claims 9 and 18, Das does not disclose that the parameter information is set differently on the ones of the multiple links, and the second message frame further comprises link identifiers corresponding to the parameter information.
Hsu discloses that the parameter information is set differently on the ones of the multiple links, and the second message frame further comprises link identifiers corresponding to the parameter information (see paragraph 23: a control link switch process is initiated by a request frame sent from AP 102 to non-AP STA 104, where AP 102 and non-AP STA 104 are both WiFi MLDs. The request frame is used for requesting a switch process of switching a current control link to a new control link. The request frame may include information elements (or fields) that carry necessary information of the control link switch process. For example, the request frame may include information elements indicating a frame type “Request”, a request serial identifier (ID), a current control link channel ID, and/or parameters including a target control link channel ID, an optional required time to finish the switch process, a current control link role after switch, etc.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the invention of Das and combine it with the noted teachings of Hsu. The motivation to combine these references is to provide a control link switch method employed by a multi-link device and providing an innovative link switch mechanism (see paragraphs 2-3 of Hsu).
Consider claim 10, Das discloses a method for communication on multiple links, applied to an access point (see slide 10: the other side to the “non-AP STA side” is the access point side; also, see slide 7 (reproduced below for convenience), wherein disclosed is said method), comprising:
receiving a first message frame, wherein the first message frame comprises first information configured to identify that a multi-link device sending the first message frame performs enhanced multi-link single-radio (EMLSR) operation on ones of the multiple links (see slide 11: “An MLD with dot11HETEMLSROptionImplemented equal to true shall set the EMLSR mode subfield of the TBD Capabilities element, which is an MLD level capabilities element, to 1”); and
performing communication based on the first message frame (see Background and slides 3-4: ML capability signalling…MLD-level information sharing…new “ML element”: a new element will be defined as a container to advertise and exchange capability information for multi-link setup).
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Although Das discloses performing the EMLSR operation (see above), Das does not specifically disclose the first information comprises link identifiers corresponding to the ones of the multiple links.
Hsu discloses that the first information comprises link identifiers corresponding to the ones of the multiple links (see paragraph 23: link channel ID).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the invention of Das and combine it with the noted teachings of Hsu. The motivation to combine these references is to provide a control link switch method employed by a multi-link device and providing an innovative link switch mechanism (see paragraphs 2-3 of Hsu).
Consider claim 23, Das discloses an access point, comprising: a processor; and a memory storing a computer program executable by the processor, wherein the processor is configured to perform the method according to claim 10 (see slide 10: the other side to the “non-AP STA side” is the access point side; Examiner notes that it is inherent that the AP comprises said processor and memory).
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 extension fee 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 date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Jamal Javaid whose telephone number is 571-270-5137 and email address is Jamal.Javaid@uspto.gov.
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, Charles Jiang, can be reached on 571-270-7191. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/JAMAL JAVAID/
Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2412
JAMAL JAVAID
Primary Examiner
Art Unit 2412