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 Arguments
Applicant’s Amendments and Arguments filed 02/10/2026 have been considered for examination.
With regard to the claim interpretations under 35 U.S.C. 112(f), Applicant's arguments
have been fully considered but are not persuasive at least in view of reasons set forth below.
On page 11 of Remarks, Applicant argued:
Applicant respectfully acknowledges that the use of the word "means" in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim element is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph), and that the presumption can be rebutted when the function is recited with sufficient structure, material, or acts within the claim itself to entirely perform the recited function. See MPEP §2181.
Applicant respectfully requests that if claim 36 is to be treated under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) (pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph), that claim 36 be interpreted based on the full range
of structures disclosed in the Specification.
In response to the above Applicant’s argument, Examiner respectfully disagrees.
Firstly, regarding the applicant’s argument “that the presumption can be rebutted when the function is recited with sufficient structure, material, or acts within the claim itself to entirely perform the recited function”, the examiner noted that the claim term recites a function without reciting sufficient structures for performing the recited function as discussed in the prior Office Action. Accordingly, the limitations at issues are interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).
Secondly, regarding the applicant’s argument “claim 36 be interpreted based on the full range of structures disclosed in the Specification”. The examiner notes that under 35 U.S.C. 112(f), the scopes of the claim limitations are limited to the corresponding structures disclosed in the specification that is clearly linked or associated with recited function, and equivalents thereof. See MPEP 2181 and 2183. The Office has previously identified the corresponding structure for performing the recited functions as transceiver 202 of FIG. 2 or processor 212 of FIG. 2 identified in the prior Office Action. The applicant has not shown additional structures that are disclosed in the specification and clearly linked or associated with the claimed functions. Accordingly, the claim limitations continued to be interpreted as limited to the previously identified corresponding structures and equivalents thereof.
With regard to the 112(b) rejections, Applicant’s arguments filed 02/10/2026 in view of the amendments have been fully considered and are persuasive. Thus, the 112(b) rejections have been withdrawn.
With regard to the 103 rejections, Applicant’s arguments filed 02/10/2026 in view of the amendments have been fully considered but are moot because the arguments are not applied to any of the references being used in the current rejection.
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are: “means for receiving …”, “means for determining … ”, and “means for obtaining …”, and “means for transmitting …”, as recited in claim 36.
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
Regarding the limitations, “means for receiving …” and “means for transmitting …”, it appears that the following are corresponding structures described in the specification: see, “transceiver 202” in FIG. 2 and ¶0051.
Regarding the limitations, “means for determining …” and “means for obtaining …”, it appears that the following are corresponding structures described in the specification: see, processor 212 in FIG. 2 and ¶0049.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
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.
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, 4-5, 7-10, 12, 14, 21, 24-25, 27-30, 32 and 34-36 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Xiao et al (US Publication No. 2023/0362665)1 in view of Xu et al (US Publication No. 2024/0040556)2
Regarding claim 1, Xiao discloses, a method of wireless communication by a user equipment (UE) [FIG. 2; its related descriptions; ¶0028, a method performed by UE], comprising:
receiving, from a base station, a transmission configuration information (TCI) state configuration for a uplink (UL) transmission [FIG. 2; its related descriptions; ¶0025, the step 210 of selecting a TCI state from one or more TCI states of one or more CORESETs (i.e., TCI state configuration) in the active BWP in a scheduled serving cell and step 220 of determining a default pathloss RS for an uplink signal transmission; further see ¶0021, the CORESET is transmitted from different TRPs/base station; note that the UE receives the one or more CORESETs including one or more TCI states for uplink signal transmission];
determining a pathloss reference signal (PLRS) is not explicitly indicated by the TCI state configuration [FIG. 2; its related descriptions; ¶0028, the uplink signal may be an SRS signal, or a dedicated PUCCH signal without a configured pathloss RS (note: no pathloss RS is explicitly configured anywhere including in the TCI state or the CORESETs including the TCI state)];
obtaining a default PLRS in response to the PLRS not being explicitly indicated by the TCI state configuration [FIG. 2; its related descriptions; ¶0028, enabling the UE to apply a default pathloss RS for an uplink resource transmission in response to the uplink signal is an SRS signal, or a dedicated PUCCH signal without a configured pathloss RS]; and
transmitting, to the base station, the UL transmission [FIG. 2; its related descriptions; ¶0025, determining the default pathloss RS for an uplink signal transmission (note that the UL transmitting is implicit) with UL power control information based on the default PLRS; [FIG. 2; its related descriptions; ¶0026, the transmitting power of the uplink signal is calculated based on the default pathloss RS].
Although Xiao discloses, “receiving, from a base station, a transmission configuration information (TCI) state configuration applicable to the UL transmission” as set forth above, Xiao does not explicitly disclose (see, italicized and bold limitations), wherein the TCI state configuration includes a unified TCI state applicable to the UL transmission.
However, Xu discloses, the TCI state configuration includes a unified TCI state applicable to the UL transmission [FIG. 8; its related descriptions; ¶0084, receiving DCI for indicating a unified TCI state from a base station (S21), where the DCI includes at least one of UL DCI and newly defined DCI, and the unified DCI state is used to indicate both an uplink beam and a downlink beam; further see ¶0045-0046] see e.g., ¶0085 of CN 114765865.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide the above-mentioned feature(s) as taught by Xu in the system of Xiao in order to cause the system to be able to reduce transmission delay, thus improving reliability of the system [e.g., ¶0072 of Xu] see e.g., ¶0045 of CN 114765865..
Regarding claim 4, Xiao in view of Xu discloses, the method of claim 1 as set forth above.
Xiao discloses, setting a quasi co-location (QCL) reference signal (RS) of the TCI state configuration as the default PLRS [FIG. 2; its related descriptions; ¶0025, step 220 of determining a default pathloss RS for an uplink signal transmission by an RS with Quasi Co-Location TypeD corresponding to the TCI state].
Regarding claim 5, Xiao in view of Xu discloses, the method of claim 4 as set forth above.
Xiao discloses, selecting an RS resource index having a periodic [see ¶0027 regarding “periodic”, the RS with Quasi Co-Location TypeD for determining the default pathloss RS is a periodic reference signal] RS with QCL information in the TCI state configuration [¶0037, TCI state #10 is selected for determining the default pathloss RS for a PUSCH #0 signal transmission. The transmission power of the PUSCH #0 is determined by the default pathloss RS with a reference to an RS resource index qd providing a periodic RS resource with “QCL-Type-D” in the TCI state #10; note that selecting of the RS resource index is required to determine the default pathloss RS]; and setting an RS associated with the RS resource index as the default PLRS [FIG. 2; its related descriptions; ¶0025, step 220 of determining a default pathloss RS for an uplink signal transmission by an RS with Quasi Co-Location TypeD corresponding to the TCI state; further see ¶0037, the transmission power of the PUSCH #0 is determined by the default pathloss RS with a reference to an RS resource index qd providing a periodic RS resource with “QCL-Type-D” in the TCI state #10; note that the periodic RS resource with QCL-type-D associated with the RS resource index is determined as the default pathloss RS].
Regarding claim 7, Xiao in view of Xu discloses, the method of claim 1 as set forth above.
Xiao discloses, setting a quasi co-location (QCL) reference signal (RS) of a control resource set (CORESET) as the default PLRS [FIG. 2; its related descriptions; ¶0025, step 220 of determining a default pathloss RS for an uplink signal transmission by an RS with Quasi Co-Location TypeD corresponding to the TCI state; further see ¶0025, the TCI state is selected from one or more TCI states of one or more CORESETs].
Regarding claim 8, Xiao in view of Xu discloses, the method of claim 7 and particularly, “wherein setting the QCL RS of the CORESET as the default PLRS” as set forth above.
Xiao discloses, selecting an RS resource index having a periodic [see ¶0027 regarding “periodic”, the RS with Quasi Co-Location TypeD for determining the default pathloss RS is a periodic reference signal] RS resource with QCL information having a CORESET [see ¶0037 regarding “having a CORESET”, the CORESET having the lowest ID is CORESET #0, the TCI state having the lowest ID of CORESET #0 is TCI state #10] with a predetermined index [¶0037, TCI state #10 is selected for determining the default pathloss RS for a PUSCH #0 signal transmission. The transmission power of the PUSCH #0 is determined by the default pathloss RS with a reference to an RS resource index qd providing a periodic RS resource with “QCL-Type-D” in the TCI state #10; note that selecting of the RS resource index is required to determine the default pathloss RS]; and setting an RS associated with the RS resource index as the default PLRS [FIG. 2; its related descriptions; ¶0025, step 220 of determining a default pathloss RS for an uplink signal transmission by an RS with Quasi Co-Location TypeD corresponding to the TCI state; further see ¶0037, the transmission power of the PUSCH #0 is determined by the default pathloss RS with a reference to an RS resource index qd providing a periodic RS resource with “QCL-Type-D” in the TCI state #10; note that the periodic RS resource with QCL-type-D associated with the RS resource index is determined as the default pathloss RS].
Regarding claim 9, Xiao in view of Xu discloses, the method of claim 1 and particularly, “wherein obtaining the default PLRS” as set forth above.
Xiao discloses, setting a quasi co-location (QCL) reference signal (RS) of an active TCI state [see ¶0036 regarding “active TCI state”, FIG. 4 illustrates an example for selecting a TCI state according to the method 300. In this example, threes CORESETs are configured in the active BWP and the Medium Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE) activates the one or more TCI states for each CORESET. TCI state #10 and TCI state #15 are activated for CORESET #0] of the TCI state configuration as the default PLRS [FIG. 2; its related descriptions; ¶0025, step 220 of determining a default pathloss RS for an uplink signal transmission by an RS with Quasi Co-Location TypeD corresponding to the TCI state].
Regarding claim 10, Xiao in view of Xu discloses, the method of claim 9 and particularly, “wherein setting the QCL RS as the default PLRS” as set forth above.
Xiao discloses, selecting an RS resource index having a periodic [see ¶0027 regarding “periodic”, the RS with Quasi Co-Location TypeD for determining the default pathloss RS is a periodic reference signal] RS with QCL information [¶0037, TCI state #10 is selected for determining the default pathloss RS for a PUSCH #0 signal transmission. The transmission power of the PUSCH #0 is determined by the default pathloss RS with a reference to an RS resource index qd providing a periodic RS resource with “QCL-Type-D” in the TCI state #10; note that selecting of the RS resource index is required to determine the default pathloss RS] in the active TCI state [see ¶0036 regarding “active TCI state”, FIG. 4 illustrates an example for selecting a TCI state according to the method 300. In this example, threes CORESETs are configured in the active BWP and the Medium Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE) activates the one or more TCI states for each CORESET. TCI state #10 and TCI state #15 are activated for CORESET #0]; and
setting an RS associated with the RS resource index as the default PLRS [FIG. 2; its related descriptions; ¶0025, step 220 of determining a default pathloss RS for an uplink signal transmission by an RS with Quasi Co-Location TypeD corresponding to the TCI state; further see ¶0037, the transmission power of the PUSCH #0 is determined by the default pathloss RS with a reference to an RS resource index qd providing a periodic RS resource with “QCL-Type-D” in the TCI state #10; note that the periodic RS resource with QCL-type-D associated with the RS resource index is determined as the default pathloss RS].
Regarding claim 12, Xiao in view of Xu discloses, the method of claim 1 as set forth above.
Xiao discloses, wherein the default PLRS is obtained is in response to one or more of: the base station indicates an application of the default PLRS via an enablement flag [¶0028, the uplink signal may be an SRS signal, or a dedicated PUCCH signal without a configured pathloss RS but with higher layer parameters that enable a UE to apply a default pathloss RS for an uplink resource transmission].
Regarding claim 14, Xiao in view of Xu discloses, the method of claim 1 as set forth above.
Xiao discloses, wherein the UL transmission is a physical UL share channel (PUSCH) [¶0029, the uplink signal may be a PUSCH signal scheduled by DCI format 0_0], and wherein the method further comprises:
prioritizing the default PLRS based on: the default PLRS being associated with a quasi co-located assumption of a control resource set (CORESET) with a predetermined index [¶0037, the transmission power of the PUSCH #0 is determined by the default pathloss RS with a reference to an RS resource index qd providing a periodic RS resource with “QCL-Type-D” in the TCI state #10; further see ¶0025, the TCI state is selected from one or more TCI states of one or more CORESETs];
wherein the UL transmission is a sounding RS [¶0028, the uplink signal may be an
SRS signal], and wherein the method further comprises:
prioritizing the default PLRS based on: the default PLRS being associated with a quasi co-located assumption of a control resource set (CORESET) with a predetermined index [¶0037, the transmission power of the PUSCH #0 is determined by the default pathloss RS with a reference to an RS resource index qd providing a periodic RS resource with “QCL-Type-D” in the TCI state #10; further see ¶0025, the TCI state is selected from one or more TCI states of one or more CORESETs]; and
wherein the UL transmission is a physical UL control channel (PUCCH) [¶0028, the uplink signal may be a dedicated PUCCH signal], and wherein the method further comprises:
prioritizing the default PLRS based on: the default PLRS being associated with a quasi co-located assumption of a control resource set (CORESET) with a predetermined index [¶0037, the transmission power of the PUSCH #0 is determined by the default pathloss RS with a reference to an RS resource index qd providing a periodic RS resource with “QCL-Type-D” in the TCI state #10; further see ¶0025, the TCI state is selected from one or more TCI states of one or more CORESETs].
Regarding claim 21, Xiao discloses, an apparatus for wireless communications [FIG. 2; its related descriptions; ¶0028, UE], comprising:
at least one processor [FIG. 7; its related descriptions; ¶0047, processor 720; note that every UE has at least one processor] ; and
memory coupled with the at least one processor, the memory including instructions executable by the at least one processor, individually or in any combination, to cause the apparatus to perform action(s) [FIG. 7; its related descriptions; ¶0047, a non-transitory computer-readable medium 730 having stored thereon computer-executable instructions; note that every UE has at least one memory storing instructions executable by the processor to perform action(s)].
Since claim 21 recites similar features without further additional features, claim 21 is rejected at least based on a similar rationale applied to claim 1.
Regarding claim 24, claim 24 is rejected at least based on a similar rationale applied to claim 4.
Regarding claim 25, claim 25 is rejected at least based on a similar rationale applied to claim 5.
Regarding claim 27, claim 27 is rejected at least based on a similar rationale applied to claim 7.
Regarding claim 28, claim 28 is rejected at least based on a similar rationale applied to claim 8.
Regarding claim 29, claim 29 is rejected at least based on a similar rationale applied to claim 9.
Regarding claim 30, claim 30 is rejected at least based on a similar rationale applied to claim 10.
Regarding claim 32, claim 32 is rejected at least based on a similar rationale applied to claim 12.
Regarding claim 34, claim 34 is rejected at least based on a similar rationale applied to claim 14.
Regarding claim 35, Xiao discloses, a computer readable medium having instructions stored therein that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors, either individually or in any combination, to perform action(s) [FIG. 7; its related descriptions; ¶0047, non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions; note that every UE has at least one memory storing instructions executable by the processor to perform action(s)]:
Since claim 35 recites similar features without further additional features, claim 35 is rejected at least based on a similar rationale applied to claim 1.
Regarding claim 36, Xiao discloses, an apparatus for wireless communications [FIG. 2; its related descriptions; ¶0028, UE], comprising:
means for receiving . . . [FIG. 7; its related descriptions; ¶0047, receiving circuitry 710];
means for determining . . . [FIG. 7; its related descriptions; ¶0047, processor 720];
means for obtaining . . . [FIG. 7; its related descriptions; ¶0047, processor 720]; and
means for transmitting . . . [FIG. 7; its related descriptions; ¶0047, transmitting circuitry 740].
Since claim 36 recites similar features without further additional features, claim 36 is rejected at least based on a similar rationale applied to claim 1.
Claims 2-3, 6, 11, 22-23, 26 and 31 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Xiao et al (US Publication No. 2023/0362665) in view of Xu et al (US Publication No. 2024/0040556) and further in view of Farag et al (US Publication No. 2022/0232573)3
Regarding claim 2, Xiao in view of Xu discloses, the method of claim 1 as set forth above.
Although Xiao discloses, setting a periodic [see ¶0057 regarding “periodic”, the RS with Quasi Co-Location TypeD for determining the default pathloss RS is a periodic reference signal] . . . reference signal (RS) . . . as the default PLRS [FIG. 2; its related descriptions; ¶0025, step 220 of determining a default pathloss RS for an uplink signal transmission by an RS with Quasi Co-Location TypeD corresponding to the TCI state], Xiao in view of Xu does not explicitly disclose (see, italicized limitations), but Farag discloses, a periodic reference signal is modified to be a periodic downlink reference signal associated with a source RS [¶0162, if the source RS of QCL-Type D or spatial relation is a DL periodic RS (e.g., synchronization signal/physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) or non-zero power channel state information-reference signal (NZP CSI-RS)), the pathloss RS is the source RS of QCL Type D or spatial relation associated with the TCI state] see also e.g., page 23 of US Provisional App. No. 63/138,205.
It is noted that the above-mentioned feature is a known technique in the field Applicant's endeavor, e.g., telecommunication art.
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to combine the system of Xiao in view of Xu with "the above-mentioned known feature(s)" taught by Farag to reach the claimed invention as set forth above. Since one having ordinary skill in the art could have recognized that applying the known technique taught by Farag into the system of Xiao in view of Xu would have yield predictable results and/or resulted in the improved system, such as e.g., ensuring accurate channel estimation and beam management to improve downlink reliability and reduce signaling overhead in a wireless network, such a modification (or application) would have involved the mere application of a known technique to a piece of prior art ready for improvement," the claim is unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. 103(a). Ex Parte Smith, 83 USPQ.2d 1509, 1518-19 (BPAI, 2007) (citing KSR v. Teleflex, 127 S.Ct. 1727, 1740, 82 USPQ2d 1385, 1396 (2007)).
Regarding claim 3, Xiao in view of Xu discloses, the method of claim 1 as set forth above.
Although Xiao discloses, setting a periodic [see ¶0057 regarding “periodic”, the RS with Quasi Co-Location TypeD for determining the default pathloss RS is a periodic reference signal] . . . reference signal (RS) . . .as the default PLRS [FIG. 2; its related descriptions; ¶0025, step 220 of determining a default pathloss RS for an uplink signal transmission by an RS with Quasi Co-Location TypeD corresponding to the TCI state], Xiao in view of Xu does not explicitly disclose (see, italicized limitations), but Farag discloses, a periodic reference signal is modified to be a periodic channel state information (CSI) reference signal associated with a source RS [¶0162, if the source RS of QCL-Type D or spatial relation is a DL periodic RS (e.g., synchronization signal/physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) or non-zero power channel state information-reference signal (NZP CSI-RS)), the pathloss RS is the source RS of QCL Type D or spatial relation associated with the TCI state] see also e.g., page 23 of US Provisional App. No. 63/138,205.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide the above-mentioned feature(s) as taught by Farag in the system of Xiao in view of Xu for similar rationales set forth above in claim 2.
Regarding claim 6, Xiao in view of Xu discloses, the method of claim 4 and particularly, “wherein setting the QCL RS as the default PLRS” as set forth above.
Although Xiao discloses, selecting an RS resource index having a periodic [see ¶0027 regarding “periodic”, the RS with Quasi Co-Location TypeD for determining the default pathloss RS is a periodic reference signal] . . . RS index that is quasi co-located with the RS resource index [¶0037, TCI state #10 is selected for determining the default pathloss RS for a PUSCH #0 signal transmission. The transmission power of the PUSCH #0 is determined by the default pathloss RS with a reference to an RS resource index qd providing a periodic RS resource with “QCL-Type-D” in the TCI state #10; note that selecting of the RS resource index is required to determine the default pathloss RS]; and
setting an RS associated with the RS resource index as the default PLRS [FIG. 2; its related descriptions; ¶0025, step 220 of determining a default pathloss RS for an uplink signal transmission by an RS with Quasi Co-Location TypeD corresponding to the TCI state; further see ¶0037, the transmission power of the PUSCH #0 is determined by the default pathloss RS with a reference to an RS resource index qd providing a periodic RS resource with “QCL-Type-D” in the TCI state #10; note that the periodic RS resource with QCL-type-D associated with the RS resource index is determined as the default pathloss RS], Xiao in view of Xu does not explicitly disclose (see, italicized limitations), but Farag discloses, a periodic reference signal is modified to be a periodic channel state information (CSI) reference signal [¶0162, if the source RS of QCL-Type D or spatial relation is a DL periodic RS (e.g., synchronization signal/physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) or non-zero power channel state information-reference signal (NZP CSI-RS)), the pathloss RS is the source RS of QCL Type D or spatial relation associated with the TCI state] see also e.g., page 23 of US Provisional App. No. 63/138,205.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide the above-mentioned feature(s) as taught by Farag in the system of Xiao in view of Xu for similar rationales set forth above in claim 2.
Regarding claim 11, Xiao in view of Xu discloses, the method of claim 9 and particularly, “wherein setting the QCL RS as the default PLRS” as set forth above.
Although Xiao discloses, selecting an RS resource index associated with the active TCI state [see ¶0036 regarding “active TCI state”, FIG. 4 illustrates an example for selecting a TCI state according to the method 300. In this example, threes CORESETs are configured in the active BWP and the Medium Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE) activates the one or more TCI states for each CORESET. TCI state #10 and TCI state #15 are activated for CORESET #0] and having a periodic [see ¶0027 regarding “periodic”, the RS with Quasi Co-Location TypeD for determining the default pathloss RS is a periodic reference signal] . . .RS index that is quasi co-located with the RS resource index [¶0037, TCI state #10 is selected for determining the default pathloss RS for a PUSCH #0 signal transmission. The transmission power of the PUSCH #0 is determined by the default pathloss RS with a reference to an RS resource index qd providing a periodic RS resource with “QCL-Type-D” in the TCI state #10; note that selecting of the RS resource index is required to determine the default pathloss RS]; and setting an RS associated with the RS resource index as the default PLRS [FIG. 2; its related descriptions; ¶0025, step 220 of determining a default pathloss RS for an uplink signal transmission by an RS with Quasi Co-Location TypeD corresponding to the TCI state; further see ¶0037, the transmission power of the PUSCH #0 is determined by the default pathloss RS with a reference to an RS resource index qd providing a periodic RS resource with “QCL-Type-D” in the TCI state #10; note that the periodic RS resource with QCL-type-D associated with the RS resource index is determined as the default pathloss RS], Xiao in view of Xu does not explicitly disclose (see, italicized limitations), but Farag discloses, a periodic reference signal is modified to be a periodic channel state information (CSI) reference signal [¶0162, if the source RS of QCL-Type D or spatial relation is a DL periodic RS (e.g., synchronization signal/physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) or non-zero power channel state information-reference signal (NZP CSI-RS)), the pathloss RS is the source RS of QCL Type D or spatial relation associated with the TCI state] see also e.g., page 23 of US Provisional App. No. 63/138,205.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide the above-mentioned feature(s) as taught by Farag in the system of Xiao in view of Xu for similar rationales set forth above in claim 2.
Regarding claim 22, claim 22 is rejected at least based on a similar rationale applied to claim 2.
Regarding claim 23, claim 23 is rejected at least based on a similar rationale applied to claim 3.
Regarding claim 26, claim 26 is rejected at least based on a similar rationale applied to claim 6.
Regarding claim 31, claim 31 is rejected at least based on a similar rationale applied to claim 11.
Claims 13 and 33 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Xiao et al (US Publication No. 2023/0362665) in view of Xu et al (US Publication No. 2024/0040556) and further in view of Matsumura et al (US Publication No. 2023/0080431).
Regarding claim 13, Xiao in view of Xu discloses, the method of claim 12 as set forth above.
Xiao in view of Xu does not explicitly disclose (see, italicized limitations), but Matsumura discloses, wherein the predetermined number of PLRSs is four [¶0115, the maximum number of pathloss RSs configurable by the RRC may be 4, 8, 16, 64, or the like].
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide the above-mentioned feature(s) as taught by Matsumura in the system of Xiao in view of Xu in order to provide the system with enhanced flexibility in selecting the number of PTRSs based on the capability of user equipment [e.g., ¶0115 of Matsumura].
Regarding claim 33, claim 33 is rejected at least based on a similar rationale applied to claim 13.
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 SUN JONG KIM whose telephone number is (571)270-3216. The examiner can normally be reached on 7:30am-5:30pm (M-T).
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/SUN JONG KIM/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2469
1 Since Xiao is relying on PCT publication (WO 2022/027302) (see attached) to claim a priority date 08/08/2020, Xiao is qualified as a prior art under 102(a)(2) for the instant application with the effective filing date 02/03/2021.
2 Xu claims priority of CN 114765865 filed on 01/14/2021, thus Xu is qualified as a prior art under 102(a)(2) for the instant application with the effective filing date 02/03/2021. Further, copy of English translation (see attached) to CN 114765865 is used for the sake of claim mapping purpose.
3 Farag claims priority of US Provisional Application No. 63/138,205 filed on 01/15/2021, thus Farag is qualified as a prior art under 102(a)(2) for the instant application with the effective filing date 02/03/2021.