DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Response to Amendment
This communication is in response to the amendment filed 11/12/2025. The amendment has been entered and considered.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1 – 3 and 6 - 8 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Takeda et al. (WO 2017135419, attached machine translation is used for the mapping herein).
Regarding Claim 1, Takeda et al. discloses A terminal (Takeda et al. discloses the NB IoT terminal (FIGS. 4, 9, and 10)) comprising:
a processor (Takeda et al. discloses that the control unit 401 may specify a second narrow band by, e.g., a PRACH set across narrow bands by an SIB received from the radio base station 10 (page 17 last paragraph to page 18 1st paragraph; FIG. 9 and 10). The baseband signal processing unit 204 performs FFT processing, error correction decoding, and retransmission control reception processing for an input baseband signal (page 16, 4th paragraph under the heading of “User terminal”; FIG. 9). The baseband signal processing unit 204 of the user equipment 20 includes at least a control unit 401 (page 17, paragraph 4th paragraph; FIG. 10)) that configures bandwidth resources narrower than a normal minimum unit when specific condition is met or specific notification is received (Takeda et al. discloses that FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating exemplary allocation of the band used in the NB-IoT terminal (page 3, paragraph 2nd paragraph; FIG. 1). Any band may be used in the NB-IoT terminal as long as it is a band narrower than the system band of the existing LTE system, such as 1.4 MHz that is equal to the minimum system band of the existing LTE system, or a band narrower than 180 kH (page 6, paragraph 2nd paragraph). The radio base station transmits an SIB for setting narrow bands, as illustrated as FIG. 4. The NB-IoT terminal selects a set resource of a PRACH set across the narrow bands by the SIB (page 6, last paragraph before the heading of “First transition method”; FIG. 4));
a transmitter that performs transmission operation with the bandwidth resources configured (Takeda et al. discloses that the transmission and reception unit 203 converts the baseband signal output from the baseband signal processing unit 204 into a radio frequency band and transmits it (page 17, 2nd paragraph; FIG. 9). The transmission/reception unit is configured by a transmitter/receiver (page 16, 3rd paragraph under the heading of “User Terminal”) A radio frequency signal received by the transmission and reception antenna 201 is amplified by the amplification unit 202. The transmission and reception unit 203 receives a downlink signal amplified by the amplification unit 202 (page 16, 2nd paragraph under the heading “User terminal”; FIG. 9). The NB-IoT terminal selects a set resource of a PRACH set across the narrow bands by the SIB, and transmits a random access preamble (PRACH) (Message 1) by the selected set resource of the PRACH (page 6, last paragraph before the heading “First transition method”; FIG. 4)); and
wherein the processor assumes transmission of an aperiodic signal from a base station after transmission by the transmitter at a predetermined period or timing after transmission by the transmitter (Takeda et al. discloses that when receiving the message 3, the radio base station transmits a contention resolution message to the user terminal (message 4). The NB-IoT terminal completes the random access process by the above procedure and establishes a connection (page 6, 1st paragraph above the header “First transition method”). [Examiner Note: Since Random Access Response procedures do not involve periodic signals, the Message 4 is not a periodic signal and will be sent as an aperiodic signal in response to receiving Message 3]. These messages (1, 2, 3, and 4) are sent one after the other, and thus this is viewed as a timing after transmission by the transmitter).
Regarding Claim 2, Takeda et al. discloses The terminal according to claim 1, and further the reference discloses wherein the specific notification is a notification from a base station related to allocation of the narrower bandwidth resources (Takeda et al. discloses that SIB (System Information Block) may be defined as system information for NB-IoT terminals, and the SIB may be called M-SIB (MTC SIB), NB-SIB. (page 4, paragraph 5). The radio base station transmits an SIB for setting a plurality of narrow bands (page 6, paragraph 4; FIG. 4). The use band of the NB- IoT terminal is limited to 180 kHz (1 PRB), which is a narrower band than the minimum system band (1.4 MHz) of the existing LTE system. Absent. As long as the band used by the NB-IoT terminal is narrower than the system band of the existing LTE system, for example, 1.4 MHz equal to the minimum system band of the existing LTE system or a band narrower than 180 kHz, any band may be used. Bandwidth may be used (page 6, paragraph 2)).
Regarding Claim 3, Takeda et al. discloses The terminal according to claim 1, and further the reference discloses wherein the specific notification is a notification by at least one of RRC, SIB, MIB and SS from a base station (Takeda et al. discloses that the radio base station transmits an SIB for setting a plurality of narrow bands (page 4, paragraph 5; FIG. 4)).
Regarding Claim 6, Takeda et al. discloses A base station (Takeda et. discloses wireless base station 10 (page 14, paragraph 1; FIG. 8)) comprising: a processor (Takeda et. discloses a control unit 301 (page 14, paragraph 1; FIG. 8). The control unit 301 notifies the user terminal 20 of various pieces of information for specifying the second narrowband as a transition destination from the first narrowband within the system band before the random access is completed. (page 14, paragraph 6; FIG. 8)) that allocates to a terminal bandwidth resources narrower than a normal minimum unit for transmission (Takeda et. discloses FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of used bands of NB-IoT terminals (page 3, paragraph 2; FIG. 1). The use band of the NB- IoT terminal is limited to 180 kHz (1 PRB), which is a narrower band than the minimum system band (1.4 MHz) of the existing LTE system. Absent. As long as the band used by the NB-IoT terminal is narrower than the system band of the existing LTE system, for example, 1.4 MHz equal to the minimum system band of the existing LTE system or a band narrower than 180 kHz, any band may be used. Bandwidth may be used. (page 6, paragraph 2). The radio base station transmits an SIB for setting a plurality of narrow bands, as illustrated in FIG. 4.);
a transmitter (Takeda et. discloses that the transmission signal generation unit 302 (page 5, paragraph 4; FIG. 7 and 8)) that transmits a notification related to allocation of the narrower bandwidth resources to the terminal (Takeda et. discloses that the radio base station transmits an SIB for setting a plurality of narrow bands (page 4, paragraph 5; FIG. 4). The transmission signal generation unit 302 generates a downlink signal (PDCCH, PDSCH, downlink reference signal, SIB, random access procedure message, etc.) based on an instruction from the control unit 301 (page 5, paragraph 4; FIG. 7 and 8) The transmission/reception unit is configured by a transmitter/receiver (page 12, 1st paragraph)).
wherein the transmitter transmits an aperiodic signal in a predetermined period or timing after uplink transmission by the transmitter (Takeda et al. discloses that when receiving the message 3, the radio base station transmits a contention resolution message to the user terminal (message 4). The NB-IoT terminal completes the random access process by the above procedure and establishes a connection (page 6, 1st paragraph above the header “First transition method”). [Examiner Note: Since Random Access Response procedures do not involve periodic signals, the Message 4 is not a periodic signal and will be sent as an aperiodic signal in response to receiving Message 3]. These messages (1, 2, 3, and 4) are sent one after the other, and thus this is viewed as a timing after transmission of the UL from the terminal).
Regarding Claim 7, Takeda et al. discloses A communication method of a terminal (Takeda et al. discloses the NB IoT terminal (FIGS. 4, 9, and 10)), including the steps of: configuring bandwidth resources narrower than a normal minimum unit when specific condition is met or specific notification is received (Takeda et al. discloses that FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating exemplary allocation of the band used in the NB-IoT terminal (page 3, 2nd paragraph; FIG. 1). The control unit 401 of the terminal may specify a second narrow band by, e.g., a PRACH set across narrow bands by an SIB received from the radio base station 10 (page 17 last paragraph to page 18 first paragraph; FIG. 9 and 10). Any band may be used in the NB-IoT terminal as long as it is a band narrower than the system band of the existing LTE system, such as 1.4 MHz that is equal to the minimum system band of the existing LTE system, or a band narrower than 180 kH (page 6, 2nd paragraph). The radio base station transmits an SIB for setting narrow bands, as illustrated as FIG. 4. The NB-IoT terminal selects a set resource of a PRACH set across the narrow bands by the SIB (page 6, last paragraph before the heading of “First transition method”; FIG. 4));
performing transmission operation with the bandwidth resources configured (Takeda et al. discloses that the transmission and reception unit 203 converts the baseband signal output from the baseband signal processing unit 204 into a radio frequency band and transmits it (page 17, 2nd paragraph; FIG. 9). A radio frequency signal received by the transmission and reception antenna 201 is amplified by the amplification unit 202. The transmission and reception unit 203 receives a downlink signal amplified by the amplification unit 202 (page 16, 2nd paragraph under the heading “User terminal”; FIG. 9). The NB-IoT terminal selects a set resource of a PRACH set across the narrow bands by the SIB, and transmits a random access preamble (PRACH) (Message 1) by the selected set resource of the PRACH (page 6, last paragraph before the heading “First transition method”; FIG. 4)).
wherein the processor assumes transmission of an aperiodic signal from a base station after transmission by the transmitter at a predetermined period or timing after transmission by the transmitter (Takeda et al. discloses that when receiving the message 3, the radio base station transmits a contention resolution message to the user terminal (message 4). The NB-IoT terminal completes the random access process by the above procedure and establishes a connection (page 6, 1st paragraph above the header “First transition method”). [Examiner Note: Since Random Access Response procedures do not involve periodic signals, the Message 4 is not a periodic signal and will be sent as an aperiodic signal in response to receiving Message 3]. These messages (1, 2, 3, and 4) are sent one after the other, and thus this is viewed as a timing after transmission by the transmitter).
Regarding Claim 8, Takeda et al. discloses A communication method of a base station (Takeda et. discloses wireless base station 10 (page 14, paragraph 1; FIG. 4 and 8)), including the steps of allocating to a terminal bandwidth resources narrower than a normal minimum unit for transmission (Takeda et. discloses FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of used bands of NB-IoT terminals (page 3, paragraph 2; FIG. 1). The control unit 301 of the base station notifies the user terminal 20 of various pieces of information for specifying the second narrowband as a transition destination from the first narrowband within the system band before the random access is completed. (page 14, paragraph 6; FIG. 8). The use band of the NB- IoT terminal is limited to 180 kHz (1 PRB), which is a narrower band than the minimum system band (1.4 MHz) of the existing LTE system. Absent. As long as the band used by the NB-IoT terminal is narrower than the system band of the existing LTE system, for example, 1.4 MHz equal to the minimum system band of the existing LTE system or a band narrower than 180 kHz, any band may be used. Bandwidth may be used. (page 6, paragraph 2). The radio base station transmits an SIB for setting a plurality of narrow bands, as illustrated in FIG. 4));
transmitting a notification related to allocation of the narrower bandwidth resources to the terminal (Takeda et. discloses that the radio base station transmits an SIB for setting a plurality of narrow bands (page 4, paragraph 5; FIG. 4). The transmission signal generation unit 302 generates a downlink signal (PDCCH, PDSCH, downlink reference signal, SIB, random access procedure message, etc.) based on an instruction from the control unit 301 (page 5, paragraph 4; FIG. 7 and 8)).
wherein the transmitter transmits an aperiodic signal in a predetermined period or timing after uplink transmission by the transmitter (Takeda et al. discloses that when receiving the message 3, the radio base station transmits a contention resolution message to the user terminal (message 4). The NB-IoT terminal completes the random access process by the above procedure and establishes a connection (page 6, 1st paragraph above the header “First transition method”). [Examiner Note: Since Random Access Response procedures do not involve periodic signals, the Message 4 is not a periodic signal and will be sent as an aperiodic signal in response to receiving Message 3]. These messages (1, 2, 3, and 4) are sent one after the other, and thus
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 4 and 9 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Takeda et al. (WO 2017135419, wherein attached machine translation is used for mapping) and further in view of Wei et al. (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 20200137731 A1).
Regarding Claim 4, Takeda et al. discloses The terminal according to claim 1, and although teaching that the NB-IoT terminal is assumed to be limited to 180 kHz (1 PRB) that is narrower than the minimum system band, Takeda et al. does not explicitly disclose wherein the bandwidth narrower than the normal minimum unit is less than one resource block or one or more subcarriers. Wei et al. discloses such a limitation.
Wei et al. is directed to Switch Between SUB PRB and Normal PRB Allocations for eMTC. More specifically, Wei et al. discloses that in some aspects, 3 tones, 4 tones, or 6 tones in a PRB may be allocated to the UE 402 for UL data transmissions from the UE 402 to the base station 404. Thus, the frequency allocation would be a sub RB sized frequency allocation since less than all of the tones (e.g., less than the 12 tones for typical LTE technology) of the PRB are allocated to the UE 402 (para. [0083]). In LTE technology (e.g., eMTC) each RB has 12 tones and a total bandwidth of 180 kHz in the RB. Thus, the RB sized frequency allocation may be an RB allocation where a particular PRB is assigned to the UE 402 and thus a set of 12 tones with a bandwidth of 180 kHz (para. [0081]). The PRB 502 has several sub PRB sized frequency allocations. The UE 402 (i.e., UE1) has one of the sub PRB size frequency allocations (para. [0120]; FIG. 5)
It would have been prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the method of Takeda et al. so that bandwidth narrower than the normal minimum unit is less than one RB, as taught by Wei et al. The modification would have allowed for improved battery performance by reducing the frequencies that the terminal transmits on (see Wei et al., para. [0075]).
Regarding Claim 9, Takeda et al. discloses The terminal according to claim 2, and although teaching that the NB-IoT terminal is assumed to be limited to 180 kHz (1 PRB) that is narrower than the minimum system band, Takeda et al. does not explicitly disclose wherein the bandwidth narrower than the normal minimum unit is less than one resource block or one or more subcarriers. Wei et al. discloses such a limitation.
Wei et al. is directed to Switch Between SUB PRB and Normal PRB Allocations for eMTC. More specifically, Wei et al. discloses that in some aspects, 3 tones, 4 tones, or 6 tones in a PRB may be allocated to the UE 402 for UL data transmissions from the UE 402 to the base station 404. Thus, the frequency allocation would be a sub RB sized frequency allocation since less than all of the tones (e.g., less than the 12 tones for typical LTE technology) of the PRB are allocated to the UE 402 (para. [0083]). In LTE technology (e.g., eMTC) each RB has 12 tones and a total bandwidth of 180 kHz in the RB. Thus, the RB sized frequency allocation may be an RB allocation where a particular PRB is assigned to the UE 402 and thus a set of 12 tones with a bandwidth of 180 kHz (para. [0081]). The PRB 502 has several sub PRB sized frequency allocations. The UE 402 (i.e., UE1) has one of the sub PRB size frequency allocations (para. [0120]; FIG. 5)
It would have been prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the method of Takeda et al. so that bandwidth narrower than the normal minimum unit is less than one RB, as taught by Wei et al. The modification would have allowed for improved battery performance by reducing the frequencies that the terminal transmits on (see Wei et al., para. [0075]).
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 11/12/2025 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Regarding claim 1, Applicant argues Takeda does not teach transmission of an aperiodic signal at a predetermined period or timing after transmission by the transmitter because Takeda is silent with respect to a predetermined period or timing to perform the DL transmission after the UL transmission.
The Examiner respectfully disagrees. The claimed “predetermined period” or timing after transmission is not defined to be any specific amount of time. Broadly speaking, if a message is sent after another message, this would read on the claimed “timing after transmission”. Takeda, in Figure 4, shows Msg1, Msg2, Msg3, Msg4 are exchanged between a UE and Base station. Thus, one can see the transmission of the aperiodic signal in Msg4 is sent in response to Msg3 being received, and thus this is viewed as the aperiodic signal is assumed from the base station at a timing after transmission by the transmitter as claimed.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to BRANDON M RENNER whose telephone number is (571)270-3621. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 7am-5pm EST.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Derrick Ferris can be reached at (571)-272-3123. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/BRANDON M RENNER/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2411
Prosecution Insights