Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 01, 2026
Application No. 18/261,385

Beam Management for High-Speed Train

Non-Final OA §103
Filed
Jul 13, 2023
Priority
Jan 15, 2021 — CN PCT/CN2021/072163 +1 more
Examiner
KANG, SUK JIN
Art Unit
2477
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Apple Inc.
OA Round
3 (Non-Final)
68%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
6m
Est. Remaining
76%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 68% — above average
68%
Career Allowance Rate
451 granted / 666 resolved
+9.7% vs TC avg
Moderate +8% lift
Without
With
+7.8%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 8m
Avg Prosecution
27 currently pending
Career history
710
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
5.3%
-34.7% vs TC avg
§103
63.5%
+23.5% vs TC avg
§102
17.4%
-22.6% vs TC avg
§112
8.0%
-32.0% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 666 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
DETAILED ACTION Applicant’s amendment and arguments filed September 3, 2026 is acknowledged. Claims 1, 4, 6, 10, 12, 15, 18, and 20 have been amended. Claims 3, 14, and 21-25 are cancelled. Claims 1, 2, 4-13, and 15-20 are currently pending. Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114 A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on September 3, 2026 has been entered. Information Disclosure Statement The information disclosure statement submitted on September 1, 2026 has been considered by the Examiner and made of record in the application. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 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 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 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 of this title, 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 text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office action. 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. The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows: 1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art. 2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue. 3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art. 4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness. Claims 1, 2, 4-7, 10-13, 15, 16, 18, and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over PARK et al. (hereinafter Park) (U.S. Patent Application Publication # 2021/0306864 A1) in view of CALLENDER et al. (hereinafter Callender) (U.S. Patent Application Publication # 2024/0072877 A1), and further in view of Fujimura (U.S. Patent Application Publication # 2022/0322122 A1). Regarding claims 1 and 20, Park teaches and discloses a baseband processor of a terminal device (UE, figure 1) and a method comprising: receiving, at a terminal device (UE, figure 1) from a network device (base station, figure 1), a configuration information concerning a high-speed mode (high speed train mode) of the terminal device that is specific to Frequency Range 2 (FR2) ([0008]; [0046]; [0052]; “…specific procedures (including beam management) and/or configurations may be specified for the high speed train scenario…”; [0054]; “…the base station determines the UE is in a high speed train scenario, the base station instructs the UE to enter the high speed train (HST) mode…”; [0069]; teaches the UE received configuration information from the base station related to a high speed train mode of the UE); and performing the beam management using the a configuration concerning the high-speed mode ([0009]; [0054]; [0070]; “…performing beam management in accordance with the HST mode…”; teaches performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode). However, Park may not explicitly disclose determining a scaling factor to be used for a reduced evaluation period for beam management in the high-speed mode of the terminal device that is specific to FR2 based on the configuration information; and determining the reduced evaluation period for beam management in the high-speed mode that is specific to FR2 based on the scaling factor (although Park does teach beam management specified for NR FR2 ([0025]; [0046])). Nonetheless, in the same field of endeavor, Callender teaches and suggests determining a scaling factor to be used for a reduced evaluation period for beam management in the high-speed mode of the terminal device that is specific to FR2 based on the configuration information; and determining the reduced evaluation period for beam management in the high-speed mode that is specific to FR2 based on the scaling factor ([0110]; Table 3; Table 4; [0112]; [0115]; “…When the UE is configured with high speed indicator (e.g. highSpeedMeasFlagFR2), the value of this parameter can be expressed as follows…Mmeas_period_w/o_gaps: For a UE supporting power class for high speed train scenario in FR2=6…”; [0120]; “…When the UE is configured with high speed indicator (e.g. highSpeedMeasFlagFR2) then the value of this parameter can be expressed as follows…Mmeas_period_w/o_gaps: For a UE supporting power class 1, Mmeas_period_w/o_gaps=10. For a UE supporting FR2 power class 2, M.sub.meas_period_w/o_gaps=6…”; teaches receiving configuration information related to high speed train operation in FR2 and determining a scaling factor for reduced evaluation period for beam management in high speed train operation). 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 receiving configuration information related to high speed train operation in FR2 and determining a scaling factor for reduced evaluation period for beam management in high speed train operation as taught by Callender with the method and apparatus for performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode as disclosed by Park for the purpose of improving beamforming and measurements when the UE is in high-speed environment, as suggested by Callender. However, Park, as modified by Callender, may not explicitly disclose determining a reduced evaluation period for beam management in the high-speed mode based on the configuration, the reduced evaluation period shorter than an evaluation period in a non-high-speed mode. Nonetheless, in the same field of endeavor, Fujimura teaches and suggests determining a reduced evaluation period for beam management in the high-speed mode based on the configuration, the reduced evaluation period shorter than an evaluation period in a non-high-speed mode ([0066]; “…in the HST environment, the terminal 20 may complete the measurement…in a short measurement period. Also, in the HST environment, the terminal 20 may set…the measurement period at a value that is less than the value in the non-HST environment…”; [0071]; “…an operation related to beam control depending on whether the terminal 20 is in the HST environment… set the minimum measurement period for BFD or CBD at a value smaller than that in the non-HST environment…”; teaches in a high-speed mobile environment, such as HST, the measurement period is shortened compared to a non-HST environment). 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 a high-speed mobile environment, such as HST, the measurement period is shortened compared to a non-HST environment as taught by Fujimura with the method and apparatus for performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode as disclosed by Park, as modified by Callender, for the purpose of improving communication performance and perform measurements when the terminal is in high-speed environment, as suggested by Fujimura ([0033]). Regarding claims 2 and 13, Park, as modified by Callender and Fujimura, further teaches and suggests wherein the high-speed mode comprises a mode in Frequency Range 2 for a high-speed train ([0025]; [0046]; teaches the HST mode comprises NR FR2). Regarding claim 4, Park discloses performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode, but may not explicitly disclose wherein determining whether the terminal device is in the high mobility state based on the configuration comprising at least one of: in accordance with a determination that a change of transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states over time exceeds a TCI state change threshold indicated in the configuration, determining that the terminal device is in the high mobility state, or in accordance with a determination that a change of transmission reception points (TRPs) over time exceeds a TRP change threshold indicated in the configuration, determining that the terminal device is in the high mobility state. Nonetheless, in the same field of endeavor, Fujimura further teaches and suggests wherein determining whether the terminal device is in the high mobility state based on the configuration comprising at least one of: in accordance with a determination that a change of transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states over time exceeds a TCI state change threshold indicated in the configuration, determining that the terminal device is in the high mobility state, or in accordance with a determination that a change of transmission reception points (TRPs) over time exceeds a TRP change threshold indicated in the configuration, determining that the terminal device is in the high mobility state ([0075]; [0076]; teaches the alternative one of determining high mobility state based on TCI state change). 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 determining high mobility state based on TCI state as taught by Fujimura with the method and apparatus for performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode as disclosed by Park, as modified by Callender and Fujimura, for the purpose of improving communication performance and perform measurements when the terminal is in high-speed environment, as suggested by Fujimura ([0033]). Regarding claim 5, Park discloses performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode, but may not explicitly disclose determining the reduced evaluation period based on at least one parameter corresponding to the high-speed mode, a value of the at least one parameter corresponding to the high-speed mode smaller than a value of the at least one parameter corresponding to the non-high-speed mode. Nonetheless, in the same field of endeavor, Fujimura further teaches and suggests determining the reduced evaluation period based on at least one parameter corresponding to the high-speed mode, a value of the at least one parameter corresponding to the high-speed mode smaller than a value of the at least one parameter corresponding to the non-high-speed mode ([0066]; “…in the HST environment, the terminal 20 may complete the measurement…in a short measurement period. Also, in the HST environment, the terminal 20 may set…the measurement period at a value that is less than the value in the non-HST environment…”; [0071]; “…an operation related to beam control depending on whether the terminal 20 is in the HST environment… set the minimum measurement period for BFD or CBD at a value smaller than that in the non-HST environment…”; teaches in a high-speed mobile environment, such as HST, the measurement period is shortened compared to a non-HST environment). 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 a high-speed mobile environment, such as HST, the measurement period is shortened compared to a non-HST environment as taught by Fujimura with the method and apparatus for performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode as disclosed by Park, as modified by Callender and Fujimura, for the purpose of improving communication performance and perform measurements when the terminal is in high-speed environment, as suggested by Fujimura ([0033]). Regarding claim 6, Park discloses performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode, but may not explicitly disclose wherein the beam management comprises candidate beam detection (CBD) and at least one parameter comprises at least one of: a scaling factor for Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle of the terminal device and a periodicity of a reference signal which the CBD is based on, or the number of reception beams used by the terminal device. Nonetheless, in the same field of endeavor, Fujimura further teaches and suggests wherein the beam management comprises candidate beam detection (CBD) and at least one parameter comprises at least one of: a scaling factor for Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle of the terminal device and a periodicity of a reference signal which the CBD is based on, or the number of reception beams used by the terminal device ([0064]; “…in the HST environment, the terminal 20 may set the number of carriers, the number of cells, or the number of beams measured simultaneously at a value that is smaller than the value in the non-HST environment…”; [0071]; “…an operation related to beam control depending on whether the terminal 20 is in the HST environment… set the minimum measurement period for BFD or CBD at a value smaller than that in the non-HST environment…”; [0072]; teaches beam management comprises CBD and the number of beams). 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 beam management comprises CBD and the number of beams as taught by Fujimura with the method and apparatus for performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode as disclosed by Park, as modified by Callender and Fujimura, for the purpose of improving communication performance and perform measurements when the terminal is in high-speed environment, as suggested by Fujimura ([0033]). Regarding claim 7, Park discloses performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode, but may not explicitly disclose wherein the beam management comprises beam failure detection (BFD) and the at least one parameter comprises at least one of: a scaling factor for DRX cycle of the terminal device and Synchronization Signal/Physical Broadcast Channel block-based Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC) periodicity, the number of L1 indications for the BFD, an element of a MAX function, or the number of reception beams used by the terminal device. Nonetheless, in the same field of endeavor, Fujimura further teaches and suggests wherein the beam management comprises beam failure detection (BFD) and the at least one parameter comprises at least one of: a scaling factor for DRX cycle of the terminal device and Synchronization Signal/Physical Broadcast Channel block-based Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC) periodicity, the number of L1 indications for the BFD, an element of a MAX function, or the number of reception beams used by the terminal device ([0064]; “…in the HST environment, the terminal 20 may set the number of carriers, the number of cells, or the number of beams measured simultaneously at a value that is smaller than the value in the non-HST environment…”; [0071]; “…an operation related to beam control depending on whether the terminal 20 is in the HST environment… set the minimum measurement period for BFD or CBD at a value smaller than that in the non-HST environment…”; [0072]; teaches beam management comprises BFD and the number of beams). 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 beam management comprises CBD and the number of beams as taught by Fujimura with the method and apparatus for performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode as disclosed by Park, as modified by Callender and Fujimura, for the purpose of improving communication performance and perform measurements when the terminal is in high-speed environment, as suggested by Fujimura ([0033]). Regarding claims 10 and 18, Park discloses performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode, but may not explicitly disclose wherein the beam management comprises CBD and the method further comprises: receiving, from the network device, a further configuration indicating reference signals to be used for the CBD, the further configuration indicating one of: that different reference signal sets are mapped to different TRPs within a serving cell of the terminal device, that a same reference signal set is mapped to different TRPs within a serving cell of the terminal device, or that a same reference signal set is mapped to all TRPs within a serving cell of the terminal device. Nonetheless, in the same field of endeavor, Fujimura further teaches and suggests wherein the beam management comprises CBD and the method further comprises: receiving, from the network device, a further configuration indicating reference signals to be used for the CBD, the further configuration indicating one of: that different reference signal sets are mapped to different TRPs within a serving cell of the terminal device, that a same reference signal set is mapped to different TRPs within a serving cell of the terminal device, or that a same reference signal set is mapped to all TRPs within a serving cell of the terminal device ([0071]; “…an operation related to beam control depending on whether the terminal 20 is in the HST environment… set the minimum measurement period for BFD or CBD at a value smaller than that in the non-HST environment…”; [0072]; “…the threshold for limiting the period of a reference signal set for BFD, CBD, or L1-RSRP may be comprised of a single threshold or multiple different thresholds. The measurement may be performed using a number of samples that varies depending on a threshold for limiting the period and the period of a reference signal set for BFD, CBD, or L1-RSRP…”; teaches beam management comprises CBD and the same reference signal set for all base stations). 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 beam management comprises CBD and the same reference signal set for all base stations as taught by Fujimura with the method and apparatus for performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode as disclosed by Park, as modified by Callender and Fujimura, for the purpose of improving communication performance and perform measurements when the terminal is in high-speed environment, as suggested by Fujimura ([0033]). Regarding claims 11 and 19, Park discloses performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode, but may not explicitly disclose wherein the beam management comprises CBD and the method further comprises: receiving, from the network device, a radio resource control (RRC) message indicating a plurality of reference signals available for the CBD; and receiving, from the network device, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) indicating a subset of the plurality of reference signals to be used in the CBD. Nonetheless, in the same field of endeavor, Fujimura further teaches and suggests wherein the beam management comprises CBD and the method further comprises: receiving, from the network device, a radio resource control (RRC) message indicating a plurality of reference signals available for the CBD; and receiving, from the network device, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) indicating a subset of the plurality of reference signals to be used in the CBD ([0071]; “…an operation related to beam control depending on whether the terminal 20 is in the HST environment… set the minimum measurement period for BFD or CBD at a value smaller than that in the non-HST environment…”; [0120]; “…information may be reported by…upper layer signaling (e.g., radio resource control (RRC) signaling, medium access control (MAC) signaling, broadcast information (master information block (MIB), or system information block (SIB)), other signals, or a combination of them. Also, RRC signaling may be referred to as an RRC message…”; teaches beam management comprises CBD and receiving information via RRC signaling or MAC signaling). 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 beam management comprises CBD and receiving information via RRC signaling or MAC signaling as taught by Fujimura with the method and apparatus for performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode as disclosed by Park, as modified by Callender and Fujimura, for the purpose of improving communication performance and perform measurements when the terminal is in high-speed environment, as suggested by Fujimura ([0033]). Regarding claim 12, Park teaches and discloses a method comprising: determining, at a network device (base station, figure 1), a configuration information concerning a high-speed mode (high speed train mode) of the terminal device that is specific to Frequency Range 2 (FR2) ([0008]; [0046]; [0052]; “…specific procedures (including beam management) and/or configurations may be specified for the high speed train scenario…”; [0054]; “…the base station determines the UE is in a high speed train scenario, the base station instructs the UE to enter the high speed train (HST) mode…”; [0069]; teaches the UE received configuration information from the base station related to a high speed train mode of the UE); and transmitting the configuration to the terminal device ([0008]; [0052]; “…specific procedures (including beam management) and/or configurations may be specified for the high speed train scenario…”; [0054]; “…the base station determines the UE is in a high speed train scenario, the base station instructs the UE to enter the high speed train (HST) mode…”; [0069]; teaches the base station determines a configuration for beam management related to a high-speed train mode of a UE and transmitting the configuration information to the UE). However, Park may not explicitly disclose determining a scaling factor to be used for a reduced evaluation period for beam management in the high-speed mode of the terminal device that is specific to FR2 based on the configuration information; and determining the reduced evaluation period for beam management in the high-speed mode that is specific to FR2 based on the scaling factor (although Park does teach beam management specified for NR FR2 ([0025]; [0046])). Nonetheless, in the same field of endeavor, Callender teaches and suggests determining a scaling factor to be used for a reduced evaluation period for beam management in the high-speed mode of the terminal device that is specific to FR2 based on the configuration information; and determining the reduced evaluation period for beam management in the high-speed mode that is specific to FR2 based on the scaling factor ([0110]; Table 3; Table 4; [0112]; [0115]; “…When the UE is configured with high speed indicator (e.g. highSpeedMeasFlagFR2), the value of this parameter can be expressed as follows…Mmeas_period_w/o_gaps: For a UE supporting power class for high speed train scenario in FR2=6…”; [0120]; “…When the UE is configured with high speed indicator (e.g. highSpeedMeasFlagFR2) then the value of this parameter can be expressed as follows…Mmeas_period_w/o_gaps: For a UE supporting power class 1, Mmeas_period_w/o_gaps=10. For a UE supporting FR2 power class 2, M.sub.meas_period_w/o_gaps=6…”; teaches receiving configuration information related to high speed train operation in FR2 and determining a scaling factor for reduced evaluation period for beam management in high speed train operation). 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 receiving configuration information related to high speed train operation in FR2 and determining a scaling factor for reduced evaluation period for beam management in high speed train operation as taught by Callender with the method and apparatus for performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode as disclosed by Park for the purpose of improving beamforming and measurements when the UE is in high-speed environment, as suggested by Callender. However, Park, as modified by Callender, may not explicitly disclose the beam management in the high-speed mode is performed by the terminal device using a reduced evaluation period determined based on the configuration, the reduced evaluation period shorter than an evaluation period in a non-high-speed mode. Nonetheless, in the same field of endeavor, Fujimura teaches and suggests the beam management in the high-speed mode is performed by the terminal device using a reduced evaluation period determined based on the configuration, the reduced evaluation period shorter than an evaluation period in a non-high-speed mode ([0052]; “…setting UE operations or network configurations for HST is described. Here, it is assumed that the terminal 20 has a UE capability to support HST and can determine whether the terminal 20 is in an HST environment…”; [0066]; “…in the HST environment, the terminal 20 may complete the measurement…in a short measurement period. Also, in the HST environment, the terminal 20 may set…the measurement period at a value that is less than the value in the non-HST environment…”; teaches in a high-speed mobile environment, such as HST, the measurement period is shortened compared to a non-HST environment). 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 a high-speed mobile environment, such as HST, the measurement period is shortened compared to a non-HST environment as taught by Fujimura with the method and apparatus for performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode as disclosed by Park, as modified by Callender, for the purpose of improving communication performance and perform measurements when the terminal is in high-speed environment, as suggested by Fujimura ([0033]). Regarding claim 15, Park discloses performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode, but may not explicitly disclose wherein the configuration indicates at least one of: a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state change threshold to be used by the terminal device to compare with a change of TCI states over time, or a transmission reception point (TRP) change threshold to be used by the terminal device to compare with a change of TRPs over time. Nonetheless, in the same field of endeavor, Fujimura further teaches and suggests wherein the configuration indicates at least one of: a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state change threshold to be used by the terminal device to compare with a change of TCI states over time, or a transmission reception point (TRP) change threshold to be used by the terminal device to compare with a change of TRPs over time ([0075]; [0076]; teaches the alternative one of determining high mobility state based on TCI state change). 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 determining high mobility state based on TCI state as taught by Fujimura with the method and apparatus for performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode as disclosed by Park, as modified by Callender and Fujimura, for the purpose of improving communication performance and perform measurements when the terminal is in high-speed environment, as suggested by Fujimura ([0033]). Regarding claim 16, Park, as modified by Callender and Fujimura, further teaches and suggests wherein the configuration indicates that the high-speed mode is enabled for the terminal device ([0008]; [0052]; “…specific procedures (including beam management) and/or configurations may be specified for the high speed train scenario…”; [0054]; “…the base station determines the UE is in a high speed train scenario, the base station instructs the UE to enter the high speed train (HST) mode…”; [0069]; teaches the configuration information indicates a high speed train mode of the UE). Claim 8 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over PARK et al. (hereinafter Park) (U.S. Patent Application Publication # 2021/0306864 A1) in view of CALLENDER et al. (hereinafter Callender) (U.S. Patent Application Publication # 2024/0072877 A1) and Fujimura (U.S. Patent Application Publication # 2022/0322122 A1), and further in view of ISLAM et al. (hereinafter Islam) (U.S. Patent Application Publication # 2021/0050902 A1) Regarding claim 8, Park, as modified by Callender and Fujimura, discloses performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode, but may not explicitly disclose wherein the beam management comprises BFD and CBD and an evaluation period for the BFD is at least partially overlapped with an evaluation period for the CBD in time. Nonetheless, in the same field of endeavor, Islam further teaches and suggests wherein the beam management comprises BFD and CBD and an evaluation period for the BFD is at least partially overlapped with an evaluation period for the CBD in time ([0071]; [0072]; [0077]; [0130]; [0133]; teaches beam management including BFD and CBD evaluation periods and determining the evaluation period that overlap in time). 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 beam management including BFD and CBD evaluation periods and determining the evaluation period that overlap in time as taught by Islam with the method and apparatus for performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode as disclosed by Park, as modified by Callender and Fujimura, for the purpose of improving determination of an evaluation period, as suggested by Islam. Claims 9 and 17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over PARK et al. (hereinafter Park) (U.S. Patent Application Publication # 2021/0306864 A1) in view of CALLENDER et al. (hereinafter Callender) (U.S. Patent Application Publication # 2024/0072877 A1) and Fujimura (U.S. Patent Application Publication # 2022/0322122 A1), and further in view of Lin (hereinafter Lin2) (U.S. Patent Application Publication # 2022/0337473 A1). Regarding claim 9, Park, as modified by Callender and Fujimura, discloses performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode, but may not explicitly disclose transmitting, to the network device, capability information indicating a capability of the terminal device to perform the BFD and the CBD in parallel; and receiving, from the network device, an indication of performing the BFD and the CBD in parallel. Nonetheless, in the same field of endeavor, Lin2 further teaches and suggests transmitting, to the network device, capability information indicating a capability of the terminal device to perform the BFD and the CBD in parallel; and receiving, from the network device, an indication of performing the BFD and the CBD in parallel ([0020]; “…beam failure detection (BFD) and new candidate beam identification (CBD) can be performed sequentially or simultaneously…”; teaches the UE is capable of performing BFD and CBD simultaneously). 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 the UE is capable of performing BFD and CBD simultaneously as taught by Lin2 with the method and apparatus for performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode as disclosed by Park, as modified by Callender and Fujimura, for the purpose of improving beam recovery failure across FR1 and FR2, as suggested by Lin2. Regarding claim 17, Park, as modified by Callender and Fujimura, discloses performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode, but may not explicitly disclose receiving, from the terminal device, capability information indicating a capability of the terminal device to perform beam failure detection (BFD) and candidate beam detection (CBD) in parallel; and transmitting, to the terminal device, an indication of performing the BFD and the CBD in parallel. Nonetheless, in the same field of endeavor, Lin2 further teaches and suggests receiving, from the terminal device, capability information indicating a capability of the terminal device to perform beam failure detection (BFD) and candidate beam detection (CBD) in parallel; and transmitting, to the terminal device, an indication of performing the BFD and the CBD in parallel ([0020]; “…beam failure detection (BFD) and new candidate beam identification (CBD) can be performed sequentially or simultaneously…”; teaches the UE is capable of performing BFD and CBD simultaneously). 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 the UE is capable of performing BFD and CBD simultaneously as taught by Lin2 with the method and apparatus for performing beam management in accordance with the high-speed train mode as disclosed by Park, as modified by Callender and Fujimura, for the purpose of improving beam recovery failure across FR1 and FR2, as suggested by Lin2. Response to Arguments Applicant's arguments with respect to claims 1, 2, 4-13, and 15-20 have been considered but are moot in view of the new ground(s) of rejection as necessitated by Applicant’s amendment. Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to Applicant’s disclosure. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to SUK JIN KANG whose telephone number is (571) 270-1771. The examiner can normally be reached on Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Chirag Shah can be reached on (571) 272-3144. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. Any inquiry of a general nature or relating to the status of this application or proceeding should be directed to the receptionist/customer service whose telephone number is (571) 272-2600. /Suk Jin Kang/ Examiner, Art Unit 2477 September 18, 2026
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Prosecution Timeline

Jul 13, 2023
Application Filed
Nov 20, 2025
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Feb 20, 2026
Response Filed
Jun 03, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103
Aug 03, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action
Sep 03, 2026
Request for Continued Examination
Sep 09, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action
Sep 22, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

Patent 12710501
HYBRID RANGING
5y 5m to grant Granted Aug 18, 2026
Patent 12671506
METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND APPARATUSES FOR MANAGING A WIRELESS NETWORK
6y 5m to grant Granted Jun 30, 2026
Patent 12652598
COMMUNICATION METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM
3y 4m to grant Granted Jun 09, 2026
Patent 12619414
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE-POWERED DIAGRAM-TO-DEPLOYMENT CONVERTER
6y 8m to grant Granted May 05, 2026
Patent 12621220
VIRTUAL NETWORK ASSISTANT WITH LOCATION INPUT
4y 7m to grant Granted May 05, 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
68%
Grant Probability
76%
With Interview (+7.8%)
3y 8m (~6m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
High
PTA Risk
Based on 666 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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