Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 02, 2026
Application No. 18/259,392

COMMUNICATION METHOD, BASE STATION, TERMINAL, AND STORAGE MEDIUM

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Jun 26, 2023
Priority
Jan 07, 2021 — CN 202110019137.1 +1 more
Examiner
ACOLATSE, KODZOVI
Art Unit
2478
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Datang Mobile Communications Equipment Co., Ltd.
OA Round
4 (Final)
84%
Grant Probability
Favorable
5-6
OA Rounds
0m
Est. Remaining
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 84% — above average
84%
Career Allowance Rate
796 granted / 949 resolved
+25.9% vs TC avg
Strong +21% interview lift
Without
With
+20.8%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 6m
Avg Prosecution
41 currently pending
Career history
994
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
5.4%
-34.6% vs TC avg
§103
55.2%
+15.2% vs TC avg
§102
22.6%
-17.4% vs TC avg
§112
8.8%
-31.2% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 949 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 . Claims 1, 6, 8, 9, 14, 16, 17, 19, 22, 24, 25 and 50-54 are pending in this office action. Response to Arguments Applicant’s arguments with respect to the amendment filed 06/30/2026 have been considered but are moot in view of new grounds of rejection. Allowable Subject Matter Claims 6, 14 and 22 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. 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, 8, 9, 16, 17, 19, 24, 25 and 50-54 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Jiang et al (US 2024/0098462 A1) in view of Bayesteh et al (US 2021/0076417 A1). Regarding claims 1 and 50, Jiang teaches a communication method, comprising: controlling, by a base station, a terminal having a wireless sensing capability to communicate with a target cell, wherein the target cell is a cell that supports Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) (Jiang: Figs. 1-2; [0078], [0110]-[0113], base station with ISAC capability and device/terminal with sensing capability); and notifying the terminal that a current base station or cell supports wireless sensing and a supported first wireless sensing parameter through system messages or downlink messages, wherein the first wireless sensing parameter comprises a wireless sensing direction, a wireless sensing signal type, a wireless sensing range and a wireless sensing type (Jiang: Figs. 1-2; [0109]-[0125], second device/base station transmits sensing signal configuration to a first device/terminal; the configuration/parameter comprising sensing direction [0125], sensing signal type [0124], sensing range [0121]-[0122] and sensing type [0106]); and wherein the wireless sensing signal type corresponds to the signal type or transmission of wireless communication (Jiang: [0124], signal type such as SRS, PRS…). Jiang does not explicitly disclose wherein the wireless sensing direction comprises uplink wireless sensing or downlink wireless sensing, the wireless sensing type comprises active sensing or passive sensing, the wireless sensing range is the coverage area of the current base station or cell. Bayesteh teaches wherein the wireless sensing direction comprises uplink wireless sensing or downlink wireless sensing (Bayesteh: Fig. 4; [0114]-[0115], UL/DL sensing), the wireless sensing type comprises active sensing or passive sensing (Bayesteh: Fig. 4; [0005], [0147]-[0148], active/passive sensing), the wireless sensing range is the coverage area of the current base station or cell (Bayesteh: Fig. 9; [0069] sensing coverage area of the base station). wherein the wireless sensing direction comprises uplink wireless sensing or downlink wireless sensing, the wireless sensing type comprises active sensing or passive sensing, the wireless sensing range is the coverage area of the current base station or cell as disclosed by Bayesteh to provide a system for sensing in half duplex networks (Bayesteh: Abstract). Regarding claims 9 and 25, Jiang teaches a communication method, comprising: communicating, by a terminal, with a target cell when the terminal has wireless sensing capability, wherein the target cell is a cell that supports Integrated Sensing And Communication (ISAC) (Jiang: Figs. 1-2; [0078], [0110]-[0113], base station with ISAC capability and device/terminal with sensing capability); and receiving system messages or downlink messages, wherein the system messages or downlink messages are used to notify the terminal that the current base station or cell supports wireless sensing and a supported first wireless sensing parameter, wherein the first wireless sensing parameter comprises a wireless sensing direction, a wireless sensing signal type, a wireless sensing range and a wireless sensing type (Jiang: Figs. 1-2; [0109]-[0125], second device/base station transmit sensing signal configuration to a first device/terminal; the configuration/parameter comprising sensing direction [0125], sensing signal type [0124], sensing range [0121]-[0122] and sensing type [0106]) and wherein the wireless sensing signal type corresponds to the signal type or transmission of wireless communication (Jiang: [0124], signal type such as SRS, PRS…). Jiang does not explicitly disclose wherein the wireless sensing direction comprises uplink wireless sensing or downlink wireless sensing, the wireless sensing type comprises active sensing or passive sensing, the wireless sensing range is the coverage area of the current base station or cell. Bayesteh teaches wherein the wireless sensing direction comprises uplink wireless sensing or downlink wireless sensing (Bayesteh: Fig. 4; [0114]-[0115], UL/DL sensing), the wireless sensing type comprises active sensing or passive sensing (Bayesteh: Fig. 4; [0005], [0147]-[0148], active/passive sensing), the wireless sensing range is the coverage area of the current base station or cell (Bayesteh: Fig. 9; [0069] sensing coverage area of the base station). wherein the wireless sensing direction comprises uplink wireless sensing or downlink wireless sensing, the wireless sensing type comprises active sensing or passive sensing, the wireless sensing range is the coverage area of the current base station or cell as disclosed by Bayesteh to provide a system for sensing in half duplex networks (Bayesteh: Abstract). Regarding claim 17, Jiang teaches a base station, comprising: a memory configured to store computer programs; a processor configured to read computer programs stored in the memory; and a transceiver configured to transmit and receive data under the control of the processor, wherein the computer programs, when executed by the processor, cause the base station to: control a terminal having a wireless sensing capability to communicate with a target cell, wherein the target cell is a cell that supports Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) (Jiang: Figs. 1-2; [0078], [0110]-[0113], base station with ISAC capability and device/terminal with sensing capability); and notifying the terminal that a current base station or cell supports wireless sensing and a supported first wireless sensing parameter through system messages or downlink messages, wherein the first wireless sensing parameter comprises a wireless sensing direction, a wireless sensing signal type, a wireless sensing range and a wireless sensing type (Jiang: Figs. 1-2; [0109]-[0125], second device/base station transmit sensing signal configuration to a first device/terminal; the configuration/parameter comprising sensing direction [0125], sensing signal type [0124], sensing range [0121]-[0122] and sensing type [0106] and wherein the wireless sensing signal type corresponds to the signal type or transmission of wireless communication (Jiang: [0124], signal type such as SRS, PRS…). Jiang does not explicitly disclose wherein the wireless sensing direction comprises uplink wireless sensing or downlink wireless sensing, the wireless sensing type comprises active sensing or passive sensing, the wireless sensing range is the coverage area of the current base station or cell. Bayesteh teaches wherein the wireless sensing direction comprises uplink wireless sensing or downlink wireless sensing (Bayesteh: Fig. 4; [0114]-[0115], UL/DL sensing), the wireless sensing type comprises active sensing or passive sensing (Bayesteh: Fig. 4; [0005], [0147]-[0148], active/passive sensing), the wireless sensing range is the coverage area of the current base station or cell (Bayesteh: Fig. 9; [0069] sensing coverage area of the base station). wherein the wireless sensing direction comprises uplink wireless sensing or downlink wireless sensing, the wireless sensing type comprises active sensing or passive sensing, the wireless sensing range is the coverage area of the current base station or cell as disclosed by Bayesteh to provide a system for sensing in half duplex networks (Bayesteh: Abstract). Regarding claims 8, 16 and 24, Jiang teaches receiving a second wireless sensing parameter reported by the terminal, wherein the second wireless sensing parameter comprises a wireless sensing direction, a wireless sensing signal type, a wireless sensing range, and a wireless sensing type (Jiang: Figs. 1 and 3; [0155]-[0163]). Regarding claims 19 and 52, Jiang teaches wherein the computer programs, when executed by the processor, further cause the base station to: control the terminal to transmit uplink access related messages through uplink wireless sensing when the target cell is the first cell and the first cell is an independent working cell (Jiang: Figs. 1-3; [0109]-[0125], second device/base station transmit sensing signal configuration to a first device/terminal; the configuration/parameter comprising sensing direction [0125], sensing signal type [0124], sensing range [0121]-[0122] and sensing type [0106]). Regarding claims 51 and 53, Jiang teaches wherein the target cell comprises any one of the following: a first cell having wireless communication downlink frequency resource coverage and wireless sensing uplink frequency resource coverage in a base station coverage area (Jiang: Figs. 1-2; [0109]-[0125]). Regarding claim 54, Jiang teaches wherein the communicating, by the terminal, with the target cell when the terminal has wireless sensing capability comprises: transmitting, by the terminal, uplink access related messages through uplink wireless sensing when the target cell is the first cell and the first cell is an independent working cell (Jiang: Figs. 1-3; [0109]-[0125], second device/base station transmit sensing signal configuration to a first device/terminal; the configuration/parameter comprising sensing direction [0125], sensing signal type [0124], sensing range [0121]-[0122] and sensing type [0106]). 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 KODZOVI ACOLATSE whose telephone number is (571)270-1999. The examiner can normally be reached Monday to Friday 10 am to 6pm. 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, Avellino Joseph can be reached at (571) 272-3905. 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. /KODZOVI ACOLATSE/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2478
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Show 4 earlier events
Feb 26, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action
Mar 17, 2026
Request for Continued Examination
Mar 18, 2026
Request for Continued Examination
Apr 01, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action
Apr 09, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Jun 30, 2026
Response Filed
Aug 05, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103
Sep 29, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

5-6
Expected OA Rounds
84%
Grant Probability
99%
With Interview (+20.8%)
2y 6m (~0m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
High
PTA Risk
Based on 949 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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