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
Applicant's amendment filed on 12/23/2025 has been entered. Claims 1, 12 and 23 have been amended. No claims have been added or cancelled. Claims 1-29 and 31 are still pending in this application, with claims 1, 12 and 23, being independent.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claim(s) 1-29 and 31 have been considered but are moot based on new grounds of rejections.
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 (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 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.
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.
Claim(s) 1-5, 10-16 and 21-27 re rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ji et al. (US 2021/0143879; hereinafter Ji) in view of Gunnarsson et al. (US 2020/0344713; hereinafter Gunnarsson).
Regarding claim 1, Ji shows a UE (user equipment) (Figures 2 and 15 shows a terminal.) comprising:
a transceiver (Figures 2 and 15; terminal includes a transceiver.) including a first antenna element and a second antenna element (Figure 2; Par. 0132; noted antenna panels in each folding surface.), wherein the UE is configured to allow changing of a physical relationship between the first antenna element and another component of the UE between a first state and a second state (Figure 2; Par. 0132; terminal is configurable to be in folded or unfolded/open state which changes the physical relationship of the antenna panels in each folding surface.), the physical relationship between the first antenna element and the other component of the UE being different in the first state and the second state (Figure 2; Par. 0132; terminal is configurable to be in folded or unfolded/open state.);
a memory (Figure 15; terminal includes a storage unit.); and
a processor, communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory (Figure 15 shows the controller communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the storage unit.), configured to:
determine that the physical relationship between the first antenna element and the other component of the UE has changed from the first state (Figures 2 and 9; Par. 0132-0133; 0199-0200, 0203; the terminal determines whether it is in a folded (or closed) state or an unfolded (or open) state in consideration of the distance between antenna modules of the folding terminal, based on the received signal. If it is determined that the terminal is in the open state in step 910, the terminal recognizes that its own state has switched from the closed state to the open state and transmits, to the base station, feedback indicating that reconfiguration of the antenna is required.); and
provide at least one notification in response to determining that the physical relationship between the first antenna element and the other component of the UE has changed from the first state (Figures 2 and 9; Par. 0132-0133; 0199-0200, 0203; If it is determined that the terminal is in the open state in step 910, the terminal recognizes that its own state has switched from the closed state to the open state and transmits, to the base station, feedback (TPF of Table 2) indicating that reconfiguration of the antenna is required.).
Ji shows all of the elements including the step of providing the at least one notification, as discussed above. Ji does not specifically show transmitting, via the transceiver for a network entity, an indication of a positioning reference signal configuration to be used with the UE.
However, the above-mentioned claim limitations are well-established in the art as evidenced by Gunnarsson. Specifically, Gunnarsson shows transmitting, via the transceiver for a network entity, an indication of a positioning reference signal configuration to be used with the UE (Figure 5; Par. 0061; transmitting a positioning reference signal according to the positioning reference signal configuration.).
In view of the above, having the system of Ji, then given the well-established teaching of Gunnarsson, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the system of Ji as taught by Gunnarsson, in order to provide motivation to provide efficient mechanisms for providing and obtaining location information in a communications network (Par. 0011 of Gunnarsson).
Regarding claim 2, modified Ji shows wherein to provide the at least one notification the processor is configured to send a first notification to a positioning unit of the UE that is configured to determine a position of the UE (Figure 2 and 9; Par. 0132-0133, 0199-0200; the terminal transmits a signal for sensing using an antenna module in step 900. This signal may be intended for sensing mode 1 or 2. The terminal determines whether it is in a folded (or closed) state or an unfolded (or open) state in consideration of the distance between antenna modules of the folding terminal, based on the received signal.), or to send a second notification to a network entity via the transceiver, or a combination thereof.
Regarding claim 3, modified Ji shows wherein to determine that the physical relationship between the first antenna element and the other component of the UE has changed from the first state the processor is configured to determine whether a separation between the first antenna element and the second antenna element of the transceiver has changed (Figures 2 and 9; Par. 0132-0133; 0199-0200, 0203; the terminal determines whether it is in a folded (or closed) state or an unfolded (or open) state in consideration of the distance between antenna modules of the folding terminal, based on the received signal. If it is determined that the terminal is in the open state in step 910, the terminal recognizes that its own state has switched from the closed state to the open state and transmits, to the base station, feedback indicating that reconfiguration of the antenna is required.), or to determine whether an orientation of the first antenna element relative to the second antenna element has changed (Figures 2 and 9; Par. 0132-0133; 0199-0200, 0203; the terminal determines whether it is in a folded (or closed) state or an unfolded (or open) state in consideration of the distance between antenna modules of the folding terminal, based on the received signal. If it is determined that the terminal is in the open state in step 910, the terminal recognizes that its own state has switched from the closed state to the open state and transmits, to the base station, feedback indicating that reconfiguration of the antenna is required.), or a combination thereof (Figures 2 and 9; Par. 0132-0133; 0199-0200, 0203; the terminal determines whether it is in a folded (or closed) state or an unfolded (or open) state in consideration of the distance between antenna modules of the folding terminal, based on the received signal. If it is determined that the terminal is in the open state in step 910, the terminal recognizes that its own state has switched from the closed state to the open state and transmits, to the base station, feedback indicating that reconfiguration of the antenna is required.).
Regarding claim 4, modified Ji shows wherein the at least one notification indicates that the physical relationship between the first antenna element and the other component of the UE has changed (Figures 2 and 9; Par. 0132-0133; 0199-0200, 0203; If it is determined that the terminal is in the open state in step 910, the terminal recognizes that its own state has switched from the closed state to the open state and transmits, to the base station, feedback (TPF of Table 2) indicating that reconfiguration of the antenna is required.).
Regarding claim 5, modified Ji shows wherein the at least one notification indicates:
a present separation between the first antenna element and the second antenna element of the transceiver has changed (Figure 2 and 9; Par. 0132-0133, 0203; Table 2 relates to a folding terminal, and is intended for a device configured such that a single antenna panel is provided in each folding surface and respective antenna panels support different polarizations in a folded state. Therefore, the base station may recognize the antenna of the terminal as a contour of a co-located X-pol antenna in the folded state indicated by TPF “0”, and may recognize the same as a contour of two different antennas, which are spaced a considerable distance apart from each other, in the unfolded state indicated by TPF “1”.); or
a present orientation of the first antenna element relative to the second antenna element (Figure 2 and 9; Par. 0132-0133, 0203; Table 2 relates to a folding terminal, and is intended for a device configured such that a single antenna panel is provided in each folding surface and respective antenna panels support different polarizations in a folded state. Therefore, the base station may recognize the antenna of the terminal as a contour of a co-located X-pol antenna in the folded state indicated by TPF “0”, and may recognize the same as a contour of two different antennas, which are spaced a considerable distance apart from each other, in the unfolded state indicated by TPF “1”.); or
a first change in separation between the first antenna element and the second antenna element (Figure 2 and 9; Par. 0132-0133, 0203; Table 2 relates to a folding terminal, and is intended for a device configured such that a single antenna panel is provided in each folding surface and respective antenna panels support different polarizations in a folded state. Therefore, the base station may recognize the antenna of the terminal as a contour of a co-located X-pol antenna in the folded state indicated by TPF “0”, and may recognize the same as a contour of two different antennas, which are spaced a considerable distance apart from each other, in the unfolded state indicated by TPF “1”.); or
a second change in orientation of the first antenna element relative to the second antenna element (Figure 2 and 9; Par. 0132-0133, 0203; Table 2 relates to a folding terminal, and is intended for a device configured such that a single antenna panel is provided in each folding surface and respective antenna panels support different polarizations in a folded state. Therefore, the base station may recognize the antenna of the terminal as a contour of a co-located X-pol antenna in the folded state indicated by TPF “0”, and may recognize the same as a contour of two different antennas, which are spaced a considerable distance apart from each other, in the unfolded state indicated by TPF “1”.); or
that the first antenna element is disabled; or
that the second antenna element is enabled; or
a downlink positioning reference signal configuration; or an uplink positioning reference signal configuration; or
one or more calibration parameters associated with an electrical distance between the first antenna element and the other component of the UE; or
any combination thereof.
Regarding claim 10, modified Ji shows wherein the processor is further configured to send a capability message, to a network entity via the transceiver, indicating a plurality of configurations each corresponding to a different physical relationship between the first antenna element and the other component of the UE (Figures 2 and 4; Table 2; Par. 0160; terminal transmits UE capability signaling to the base station. The UE capability signaling may include information indicating whether or not the receiver is able to support at least one of the functions provided by the disclosure, such as the panel modes of Table 2.).
Regarding claim 11, modified Ji shows wherein the processor is configured to provide a configuration indication of one or more configuration parameters to be used by the UE until indicated otherwise by the processor (Par. 0202; the terminal determines whether or not the user is an authorized or preregistered user by determining whether or not the received signal conforms to pre-stored sensing information. If the received signal matches a stored signal, the terminal transmits and receives data to and from the base station in step 970.).
Regarding claim 12, Ji shows a method at a UE (user equipment) (Figure 9 shows a method performed in part by the terminal of Figures 2 and 15.) for responding to a change in physical state of the UE, the method comprising:
determining that a physical relationship between a first antenna element of the UE and another component of the UE has changed from a first state to a second state (Figures 2 and 9; Par. 0132-0133; 0199-0200, 0203; the terminal determines whether it is in a folded (or closed) state or an unfolded (or open) state in consideration of the distance between antenna modules of the folding terminal, based on the received signal. If it is determined that the terminal is in the open state in step 910, the terminal recognizes that its own state has switched from the closed state to the open state and transmits, to the base station, feedback indicating that reconfiguration of the antenna is required.); and
providing at least one notification in response to determining that the physical relationship between the first antenna element and the other component of the UE has changed from the first state to the second state (Figures 2 and 9; Par. 0132-0133; 0199-0200, 0203; If it is determined that the terminal is in the open state in step 910, the terminal recognizes that its own state has switched from the closed state to the open state and transmits, to the base station, feedback (TPF of Table 2) indicating that reconfiguration of the antenna is required.).
Ji shows all of the elements including the step of providing the at least one notification, as discussed above. Ji does not specifically show transmitting, via the transceiver for a network entity, an indication of a positioning reference signal configuration to be used with the UE.
However, the above-mentioned claim limitations are well-established in the art as evidenced by Gunnarsson. Specifically, Gunnarsson shows transmitting, via the transceiver for a network entity, an indication of a positioning reference signal configuration to be used with the UE (Figure 5; Par. 0061; transmitting a positioning reference signal according to the positioning reference signal configuration.).
In view of the above, having the system of Ji, then given the well-established teaching of Gunnarsson, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the system of Ji as taught by Gunnarsson, in order to provide motivation to provide efficient mechanisms for providing and obtaining location information in a communications network (Par. 0011 of Gunnarsson).
Regarding claims 13, 14, 15, 16, 21 and 22, these claims are rejected based on the same reasoning as presented in the rejection of claims 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 and 11, respectively.
Regarding claim 23, Ji shows a UE (user equipment) (Figures 2 and 15 shows a terminal.) comprising:
means (Figure 15 shows instructions stored in the storage unit and executed by the controller to perform the disclosed method.) for determining that a physical relationship between a first antenna element of the UE and another component of the UE has changed from a first state (Figures 2 and 9; Par. 0132-0133; 0199-0200, 0203; the terminal determines whether it is in a folded (or closed) state or an unfolded (or open) state in consideration of the distance between antenna modules of the folding terminal, based on the received signal. If it is determined that the terminal is in the open state in step 910, the terminal recognizes that its own state has switched from the closed state to the open state and transmits, to the base station, feedback indicating that reconfiguration of the antenna is required.); and
means (Figure 15 shows instructions stored in the storage unit and executed by the controller to perform the disclosed method.) for providing at least one notification in response to determining that the physical relationship between the first antenna element and the other component of the UE has changed from the first state (Figures 2 and 9; Par. 0132-0133; 0199-0200, 0203; If it is determined that the terminal is in the open state in step 910, the terminal recognizes that its own state has switched from the closed state to the open state and transmits, to the base station, feedback (TPF of Table 2) indicating that reconfiguration of the antenna is required.).
Ji shows all of the elements including the step of providing the at least one notification, as discussed above. Ji does not specifically show means for transmitting, via the transceiver for a network entity, an indication of a positioning reference signal configuration to be used with the UE.
However, the above-mentioned claim limitations are well-established in the art as evidenced by Gunnarsson. Specifically, Gunnarsson shows means for transmitting, via the transceiver for a network entity, an indication of a positioning reference signal configuration to be used with the UE (Figure 5; Par. 0061; transmitting a positioning reference signal according to the positioning reference signal configuration.).
In view of the above, having the system of Ji, then given the well-established teaching of Gunnarsson, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the system of Ji as taught by Gunnarsson, in order to provide motivation to provide efficient mechanisms for providing and obtaining location information in a communications network (Par. 0011 of Gunnarsson).
Regarding claims 24, 25, 26 and 27, these claims are rejected based on the same reasoning as presented in the rejection of claims 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively.
Claim(s) 6-7, 9, 17-18, 20, 28-29 and 31 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ji in view of Gunnarsson and Moisio et al. (US 2015/0050927; hereinafter Moisio).
Regarding claim 6, modified Ji shows all of the elements including the at least one notification, as discussed above. Modified Ji does not specifically show wherein the at least one notification is at least one initial notification that indicates a default condition, and wherein the processor is further configured to provide at least one further notification indicating that a present physical relationship between the first antenna element and the other component of the UE is in the second state.
However, the above-mentioned claim limitations are well-established in the art as evidenced by Moisio. Specifically, Moisio shows wherein the at least one notification is at least one initial notification that indicates a default condition, and wherein the processor is further configured to provide at least one further notification indicating that a present physical relationship between the first antenna element and the other component of the UE is in the second state (Figures 2-3; Par. 0045, 0047; the UE 210 signals to the network 200 a set of pre-defined RRC configurations. Upon a change in form factor, the UE 210 can indicate to the network which of the pre-defined RRC configurations should be assumed by the network 200. For example, in the case of two configurations being supported, the UE 210 would require only 1-bit signaling to indicate a configuration change due to a form factor change. The signaling bit can also be piggybacked onto some existing signaling messages/bearers.).
In view of the above, having the system of Ji, then given the well-established teaching of Moisio, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the system of Ji as taught by Moisio, in order to provide motivation for efficiently updating radio configurations for the device having multiple forms, based on the new parameters (Par. 0027 of Moisio).
Regarding claim 7, modified Ji shows wherein the processor is configured to provide the at least one further notification in response to determining that the physical relationship between the first antenna element and the other component of the UE has been in the second state for at least a threshold amount of time (Moisio: Figure 3; Par. 0033; the device could signal the new form after it has not been changed for a certain period of time (threshold t1), and/or indicate that now the form is being changed if changing lasts longer than a threshold (t2).).
Regarding claim 9, modified Ji shows all of the elements except wherein the at least one notification is at least one initial notification, and wherein the processor is further configured to provide at least one further notification in response to determining that the physical relationship between the first antenna element and the other component of the UE has returned to the first state and that the physical relationship has been in the first state, after returning to the first state, for at least a threshold amount of time.
However, the above-mentioned claim limitations are well-established in the art as evidenced by Moisio. Specifically, Moisio wherein the at least one notification is at least one initial notification, and wherein the processor is further configured to provide at least one further notification in response to determining that the physical relationship between the first antenna element and the other component of the UE has returned to the first state and that the physical relationship has been in the first state, after returning to the first state, for at least a threshold amount of time (Figures 2-3; Par. 0045, 0047; the UE 210 signals to the network 200 a set of pre-defined RRC configurations. Upon a change in form factor, the UE 210 can indicate to the network which of the pre-defined RRC configurations should be assumed by the network 200. For example, in the case of two configurations being supported, the UE 210 would require only 1-bit signaling to indicate a configuration change due to a form factor change. The signaling bit can also be piggybacked onto some existing signaling messages/bearers.).
In view of the above, having the system of Ji, then given the well-established teaching of Moisio, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the system of Ji as taught by Moisio, in order to provide motivation for efficiently updating radio configurations for the device having multiple forms, based on the new parameters (Par. 0027 of Moisio).
Regarding claims 17, 18 and 20, these claims are rejected based on the same reasoning as presented in the rejection of claims 6, 7 and 9, respectively.
Regarding claims 28, 29 and 31, these claims are rejected based on the same reasoning as presented in the rejection of claims 6, 7 and 9, respectively.
Claim(s) 8 and 19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ji in view of Gunnarsson, Moisio and Ponnuswamy (US 2017/0302347; hereinafter Ponnuswamy).
Regarding claim 8, modified Ji shows all of the elements including the threshold amount of time, as discussed above. Modified Ji shows wherein the processor is configured to receive an indication of configuration via the transceiver from a network entity.
However, the above-mentioned claim limitations are well-established in the art as evidenced by Ponnuswamy. Specifically, Ponnuswamy shows wherein the processor is configured to receive an indication of configuration via the transceiver from a network entity (Figure 4; Par. 0047-0048; the network device sends test signaling using different antenna polarization configurations and analyzes the feedback information received in response to the test signaling. One or more antenna properties (e.g. antenna polarity) are altered during run-time and such alteration may be on a message-by-message basis.).
In view of the above, having the system of Ji, then given the well-established teaching of Ponnuswamy, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the system of Ji as taught by Ponnuswamy, in order to provide motivation to increase reliability of the wireless link while avoiding unnecessary reduction in data rate (Par. 0012 of Ponnuswamy).
Regarding claim 19, this claim is rejected based on the same reasoning as presented in the rejection of claim 8.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
US 20210373148 A1 - This application provides a method and an apparatus for positioning a terminal device. The method includes: generating, by a terminal device, a first message, where the first message includes one or more pieces of first time difference information, and the first time difference information includes a first time difference and information about a first positioning reference signal pair corresponding to the first time difference, where the first positioning reference signal pair includes a first uplink positioning reference signal and a first downlink positioning reference signal that have an association relationship, and the first time difference is a time difference between a sending time point of the first uplink positioning reference signal and a receiving time point of the first downlink positioning reference signal; and sending, by the terminal device, the first message to a network device.
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.
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/REDENTOR PASIA/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2413
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