DETAILED ACTION
This communication is in response to the claims filed on 01/23/2024.
Application No: 18/291,427
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
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.
Claim Objections
Claim 21 (and similarly claim 29) is objected to because of the following informalities. Independent claim deletes a key limitation from the inventive concept, namely, …use one of the first resource configuration and the second resource configuration based on the determination (see reference claim 1, last limitation). Appropriate correction is required for further review and compact prosecution.
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 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 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, 3-5, 7-11, 13, 18-21, 23-26 and 28-29, 31-33 are rejected under 35 U. S. C. 103 as being unpatentable over PARK et al. (US 20230117298 A1) in view of JoSoonki et al. ( US 20210368481 A1 ).
Regarding claim 1, PARK teaches a network node ([0017], Fig. 5, e.g. provided is a method of configuring a resource for an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node by a network. [0019] The multiplexing capability may be classified into a capability between the MT transmission operation and the DU reception operation, a capability between the MT reception operation and the DU transmission operation, a capability between the MT reception operation and the DU reception operation, and a capability between the MT transmission operation and the DU transmission operation. [0095] An IAB node may receive a slot format configuration for communication with a parent node and a slot format configuration for communication with a child node/access UE), the network node comprising:
a radio interface ([0018], e.g. the IAB node including a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver and a processor connected to the RF transceiver, the processor controlling the RF transceiver ), configured to:
receive a first resource configuration associated with a first multiplexing capability and a second resource configuration associated with a second multiplexing capability ([0018], e.g. based on no report of a multiplexing capability between the MT operation and the DU operation, the first resource configuration information and the second resource configuration information may support simultaneous performance of an MT reception operation and a DU reception operation (i.e. receive information associated with a multiplexing capability). [0071] An example of a network with such integrated access and backhaul links is shown in FIG. 5, where an IAB node or relay node (rTRP) can multiplex access and backhaul links in time, frequency, or space (e.g., beam-based operations) (i.e. wherein based on report of a multiplexing capability between the MT operation and the DU operation). [0160] The indication of the multiplexing capability for the case of no-TDM between IAB MT and IAB DU is additionally provided with respect to each transmission/reception-direction combination (per MT CC/DU cell pair));
receive signaling activating one of a first multiplexing mode and a second multiplexing mode ([0130], e.g. This setting can be used for effective multiplexing and interference handling among IAB node(s). For example, this setting can be used to indicate which link is valid for the time resource between the parent link and the child link (i.e. activating multiplexing mode)).
PARK teaches a method and a device for performing a mobile terminal (MT) operation and a distributed unit (DU) operation by an IAB node in a wireless communication system. However PARK differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
processing circuitry in communication with the radio interface, the processing circuitry configured to: determine whether to use the activated one of the first multiplexing mode and the second multiplexing mode based at least on one of the first multiplexing mode, the second multiplexing mode, the first resource configuration, the second resource configuration, and a fallback condition; and use one of the first resource configuration and the second resource configuration based on the determination.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, JoSoonki teaches wherein
processing circuitry in communication with the radio interface ([0070], e.g. Data is moved between different PHY layers, that is, the PHY layers of a transmitter and a receiver (i.e. communication with the radio interface), through a physical channel. The physical channel may be modulated according to an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) scheme, and use the time and frequency as radio resources), the processing circuitry configured to:
determine whether to use the activated one of the first multiplexing mode and the second multiplexing mode based at least on one of the first multiplexing mode, the second multiplexing mode, the first resource configuration, the second resource configuration, and a fallback condition ([0289], e.g. Also, a mechanism for multiplexing RACH transmission from a UE and RACH transmission from an IAB node has to be considered (i.e. determine whether to use the activated multiplexing mode)); and
use one of the first resource configuration and the second resource configuration based on the determination ([0231], e.g. A carrier component may include up to N (for example, 5) BWPs (Bandwidth parts). Data communication is performed through an activated BWP, and one BWP may be activated for one UE. In the resource grid, each element is referred to as a resource element (RE), and one complex symbol may be mapped to each individual element. (i.e. operational conditions)).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to implement the method of JoSoonki within the method of PARK. The motivation to combine references is that the combined system provides a method of operating a node in a wireless communication system. The method includes connecting to a parent node through an initial access process, receiving, from the parent node, first allocation information associated with communication with the parent node and second allocation information associated with communication with a child node and communicating with the parent node or the child node using a specific resource based on the first allocation information and the second allocation information. When the second allocation information informs the specific resource as a hard resource that is always available for communication with the child node, the specific resource is used for communication with the child node regardless of the first allocation information (See JoSoonki [abstract, 0011]).
Regarding claim 3, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 1. PARK further teaches wherein the determination of whether to use the activated one of the first multiplexing mode and the second multiplexing mode includes: determining whether one of the first multiplexing mode and the second multiplexing mode is configured for at least one of a time slot and a symbol ([0062], e.g. Thus, the (absolute) duration of a time resource (e.g., SF, slot, or TTI) including the same number of symbols may differ between the aggregated cells (such a time resource is commonly referred to as a time unit (TU) for convenience of description)).
Regarding claim 4, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 1. PARK further teaches wherein the determination of whether to use the activated one of the first multiplexing mode and the second multiplexing mode includes: determining whether the first resource configuration and the second resource configuration are equivalent ([0221], e.g. an indication for the flexible resource may be ignored with respect to the FDD, or the IAB node may not expect that a value greater than or equal to a specific state (or state 4) (or less than or equal to state 3) is indicated. On the contrary, the indication for the flexible resource may be valid for the TDD (i.e. determining resource configuration is flexible to equivalent)).
Regarding claim 5, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 1. PARK further teaches wherein the determination of whether to use the activated one of the first multiplexing mode and the second multiplexing mode includes: determining whether the fallback condition is fulfilled, the fallback condition being associated with at least one of a timer expiration, an unsupported multiplexing mode, and operational conditions ([0089], e.g. On the other hand, distributed scheduling may be performed if each RN has a scheduling ability. This allows immediate scheduling for an uplink scheduling request of a UE, and allows a backhaul/access links to be utilized more flexibly by reflecting surrounding traffic conditions).
Regarding claim 7, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 1. PARK further teaches wherein the network node is an integrated access and backhaul, IAB, node configured to simultaneously communicate at least with one parent network node and one child network node ([0017], e.g. the first resource configuration information and the second resource configuration information may be scheduled to support simultaneous performance of an MT reception operation and a DU reception operation and simultaneous performance of an MT transmission operation and a DU transmission operation and not to support simultaneous performance of the MT transmission operation and the DU reception operation and simultaneous performance of the MT reception operation and the DU transmission operation),
the parent network node being a parent IAB node, the child network node being a child IAB node ([0128], Fig. 7, e.g. Each of the downlink, uplink and flexible time resources of the DU child link may be hard or soft resources. As described above, hard resources may mean that communication is always possible in the DU child link. However, in the case of soft resources, communication availability in the DU child link may be explicitly and/or implicitly controlled by the parent node. [0130] This setting can be used for effective multiplexing and interference handling among IAB node(s). For example, this setting can be used to indicate which link is valid for the time resource between the parent link and the child link).
Regarding claim 8, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 1. PARK further teaches wherein the first multiplexing capability is one of a time division multiplexing, TDM, a frequency division multiplexing, FDM, and a space-division multiplexing, SDM, and the second multiplexing capability is another one of the TDM, the FDM, and the SDM ([0166], e.g. that is, the IAB node may report the multiplexing capability to the CU or the parent node. The CU or the parent node may perform scheduling for supporting FDM/SDM with respect to a corresponding transmission/reception direction combination based on the reported multiplexing capability (“not TDM required”)).
Regarding claim 9, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 1. PARK further teaches wherein the received first and second resource configurations are based on reported information about the first and second multiplexing capabilities of the network node, respectively ([0158] In addition, the scenario defines an operation of reporting multiplexing capability of an UAB node as follows: [0159] the donor CU and the parent node can be made aware of the multiplexing capability between MT and DU (TDM required, TDM not required) of an IAB node to for any {MT CC, DU cell} pair).
Regarding claim 10, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 1. PARK further teaches wherein each of the first and second resource configurations indicate at least two attribute types, a first attribute type indicates whether resources are associated with at least one of an uplink, a downlink, and a flexible configuration ([0013], e.g. Each of the first resource configuration information and the second resource configuration information may include an indication information on an available resource, an unavailable resource, and a soft resource having availability not determined for each of a downlink and an uplink), and
a second attribute type indicates whether resources are at least one of hard, soft, and not available ([0013], e.g. Each of the first resource configuration information and the second resource configuration information may include an indication information on an available resource, an unavailable resource, and a soft resource having availability not determined for each of a downlink and an uplink and availability indication for the soft resource may be indicated through an Availability Indicator (AI) included in a DCI).
Regarding claim 11, PARK teaches a method performed by a network node ([0017], Fig. 5, e.g. provided is a method of configuring a resource for an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node by a network. [0019] The multiplexing capability may be classified into a capability between the MT transmission operation and the DU reception operation, a capability between the MT reception operation and the DU transmission operation, a capability between the MT reception operation and the DU reception operation, and a capability between the MT transmission operation and the DU transmission operation. [0095] An IAB node may receive a slot format configuration for communication with a parent node and a slot format configuration for communication with a child node/access UE), the method comprising:
receiving a first resource configuration associated with a first multiplexing capability and a second resource configuration associated with a second multiplexing capability ([0018], e.g. based on no report of a multiplexing capability between the MT operation and the DU operation, the first resource configuration information and the second resource configuration information may support simultaneous performance of an MT reception operation and a DU reception operation (i.e. receive information associated with a multiplexing capability). [0071] An example of a network with such integrated access and backhaul links is shown in FIG. 5, where an IAB node or relay node (rTRP) can multiplex access and backhaul links in time, frequency, or space (e.g., beam-based operations) (i.e. wherein based on report of a multiplexing capability between the MT operation and the DU operation). [0160] The indication of the multiplexing capability for the case of no-TDM between IAB MT and IAB DU is additionally provided with respect to each transmission/reception-direction combination (per MT CC/DU cell pair));
receiving signaling activating one of a first multiplexing mode and a second multiplexing mode ([0130], e.g. This setting can be used for effective multiplexing and interference handling among IAB node(s). For example, this setting can be used to indicate which link is valid for the time resource between the parent link and the child link (i.e. activating multiplexing mode)).
PARK teaches a method and a device for performing a mobile terminal (MT) operation and a distributed unit (DU) operation by an IAB node in a wireless communication system. However PARK differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
determining whether to use the activated one of the first multiplexing mode and the second multiplexing mode based at least on one of the first multiplexing mode, the second multiplexing mode, the first resource configuration, the second resource configuration, and a fallback condition; and using one of the first resource configuration and the second resource configuration based on the determination.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, JoSoonki teaches wherein
determining whether to use the activated one of the first multiplexing mode and the second multiplexing mode based at least on one of the first multiplexing mode, the second multiplexing mode, the first resource configuration, the second resource configuration, a fallback condition ([0289], e.g. Also, a mechanism for multiplexing RACH transmission from a UE and RACH transmission from an IAB node has to be considered (i.e. determine whether to use the activated multiplexing mode)), and
using one of the first resource configuration and the second resource configuration based on the determination ([0231], e.g. A carrier component may include up to N (for example, 5) BWPs (Bandwidth parts). Data communication is performed through an activated BWP, and one BWP may be activated for one UE. In the resource grid, each element is referred to as a resource element (RE), and one complex symbol may be mapped to each individual element. (i.e. operational conditions)).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to implement the method of JoSoonki within the method of PARK. The motivation to combine references is that the combined system provides a method of operating a node in a wireless communication system. The method includes connecting to a parent node through an initial access process, receiving, from the parent node, first allocation information associated with communication with the parent node and second allocation information associated with communication with a child node and communicating with the parent node or the child node using a specific resource based on the first allocation information and the second allocation information. When the second allocation information informs the specific resource as a hard resource that is always available for communication with the child node, the specific resource is used for communication with the child node regardless of the first allocation information (See JoSoonki [abstract, 0011]).
Regarding claim 13, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 11. PARK further teaches wherein the determination of whether to use the activated one of the first multiplexing mode and the second multiplexing mode includes one or more of: determining whether one of the first multiplexing mode and the second multiplexing mode is configured for at least one of a time slot and a symbol ([0062], e.g. Thus, the (absolute) duration of a time resource (e.g., SF, slot, or TTI) including the same number of symbols may differ between the aggregated cells (such a time resource is commonly referred to as a time unit (TU) for convenience of description));
determining whether the first resource configuration and the second resource configuration are equivalent ([0221], e.g. an indication for the flexible resource may be ignored with respect to the FDD, or the IAB node may not expect that a value greater than or equal to a specific state (or state 4) (or less than or equal to state 3) is indicated. On the contrary, the indication for the flexible resource may be valid for the TDD (i.e. determining resource configuration is flexible to equivalent)); and
determining whether the fallback condition is fulfilled, the fallback condition being associated with at least one of a timer expiration, an unsupported multiplexing mode, and operational conditions ([0089], e.g. On the other hand, distributed scheduling may be performed if each RN has a scheduling ability. This allows immediate scheduling for an uplink scheduling request of a UE, and allows a backhaul/access links to be utilized more flexibly by reflecting surrounding traffic conditions).
Regarding claim 18, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 11. PARK further teaches wherein the first multiplexing capability is one of a time division multiplexing, TDM, a frequency division multiplexing, FDM, and a space-division multiplexing, SDM, and the second multiplexing capability is another one of the TDM, the FDM, and the SDM ([0166], e.g. that is, the IAB node may report the multiplexing capability to the CU or the parent node. The CU or the parent node may perform scheduling for supporting FDM/SDM with respect to a corresponding transmission/reception direction combination based on the reported multiplexing capability (“not TDM required”)).
Regarding claim 19, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 11. PARK further teaches wherein the received first and second resource configurations are based on reported information about the first and second multiplexing capabilities of the network node, respectively ([0158] In addition, the scenario defines an operation of reporting multiplexing capability of an UAB node as follows: [0159] the donor CU and the parent node can be made aware of the multiplexing capability between MT and DU (TDM required, TDM not required) of an IAB node to for any {MT CC, DU cell} pair).
Regarding claim 20, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 11. PARK further teaches wherein each of the first and second resource configurations indicate at least two attribute types, a first attribute type indicates whether resources are associated with at least one of an uplink, a downlink, and a flexible configuration ([0013], e.g. Each of the first resource configuration information and the second resource configuration information may include an indication information on an available resource, an unavailable resource, and a soft resource having availability not determined for each of a downlink and an uplink), and
a second attribute type indicates whether resources are at least one of hard, soft, and not available ([0013], e.g. Each of the first resource configuration information and the second resource configuration information may include an indication information on an available resource, an unavailable resource, and a soft resource having availability not determined for each of a downlink and an uplink and availability indication for the soft resource may be indicated through an Availability Indicator (AI) included in a DCI).
Regarding claim 21, PARK teaches a parent network node ([0017], Fig. 5, e.g. provided is a method of configuring a resource for an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node by a network. [0019] The multiplexing capability may be classified into a capability between the MT transmission operation and the DU reception operation, a capability between the MT reception operation and the DU transmission operation, a capability between the MT reception operation and the DU reception operation, and a capability between the MT transmission operation and the DU transmission operation. [0095] An IAB node may receive a slot format configuration for communication with a parent node and a slot format configuration for communication with a child node/access UE), the parent network node comprising:
a radio interface ([0018], e.g. the IAB node including a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver and a processor connected to the RF transceiver, the processor controlling the RF transceiver ), configured to:
receive, from a network node, an ability to exploit at least one of a first multiplexing capability and a second multiplexing capability ([0018], e.g. based on no report of a multiplexing capability between the MT operation and the DU operation, the first resource configuration information and the second resource configuration information may support simultaneous performance of an MT reception operation and a DU reception operation (i.e. receive information associated with a multiplexing capability). [0071] An example of a network with such integrated access and backhaul links is shown in FIG. 5, where an IAB node or relay node (rTRP) can multiplex access and backhaul links in time, frequency, or space (e.g., beam-based operations) (i.e. wherein based on report of a multiplexing capability between the MT operation and the DU operation). [0160] The indication of the multiplexing capability for the case of no-TDM between IAB MT and IAB DU is additionally provided with respect to each transmission/reception-direction combination (per MT CC/DU cell pair));
transmit, to the network node, signaling activating one of a first multiplexing mode and a second multiplexing mode ([0130], e.g. This setting can be used for effective multiplexing and interference handling among IAB node(s). For example, this setting can be used to indicate which link is valid for the time resource between the parent link and the child link (i.e. activating multiplexing mode)).
PARK teaches a method and a device for performing a mobile terminal (MT) operation and a distributed unit (DU) operation by an IAB node in a wireless communication system. However PARK differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
processing circuitry in communication with the radio interface, the processing circuitry configured to: determine the activation of one of the first multiplexing mode and the second multiplexing mode based at least in part on the received ability and operational conditions.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, JoSoonki teaches wherein
processing circuitry in communication with the radio interface ([0070], e.g. Data is moved between different PHY layers, that is, the PHY layers of a transmitter and a receiver (i.e. communication with the radio interface), through a physical channel. The physical channel may be modulated according to an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) scheme, and use the time and frequency as radio resources),, the processing circuitry configured to:
determine the activation of one of the first multiplexing mode and the second multiplexing mode based at least in part on the received ability and operational conditions. ([0289], e.g. Also, a mechanism for multiplexing RACH transmission from a UE and RACH transmission from an IAB node has to be considered (i.e. determine whether to use the activated multiplexing mode). [0231]. A carrier component may include up to N (for example, 5) BWPs (Bandwidth parts). Data communication is performed through an activated BWP, and one BWP may be activated for one UE. In the resource grid, each element is referred to as a resource element (RE), and one complex symbol may be mapped to each individual element (i.e. operational conditions)).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to implement the method of JoSoonki within the method of PARK. The motivation to combine references is that the combined system provides a method of operating a node in a wireless communication system. The method includes connecting to a parent node through an initial access process, receiving, from the parent node, first allocation information associated with communication with the parent node and second allocation information associated with communication with a child node and communicating with the parent node or the child node using a specific resource based on the first allocation information and the second allocation information. When the second allocation information informs the specific resource as a hard resource that is always available for communication with the child node, the specific resource is used for communication with the child node regardless of the first allocation information (See JoSoonki [abstract, 0011]).
Regarding claim 23, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 21. PARK further teaches wherein
each of first and second resource configurations associated with the first and second multiplexing capabilities, respectively, indicates at least two attribute types, a first attribute type indicates whether resources are associated with at least one of an uplink, a downlink, and a flexible configuration ([0013], e.g. Each of the first resource configuration information and the second resource configuration information may include an indication information on an available resource, an unavailable resource, and a soft resource having availability not determined for each of a downlink and an uplink), and
a second attribute type indicates whether resources are at least one of hard, soft, and not available ([0013], e.g. Each of the first resource configuration information and the second resource configuration information may include an indication information on an available resource, an unavailable resource, and a soft resource having availability not determined for each of a downlink and an uplink and availability indication for the soft resource may be indicated through an Availability Indicator (AI) included in a DCI).
Regarding claim 24, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 21. PARK further teaches wherein the operational conditions include at least one of a timing, a power control, and a cross-link interference ([0062], e.g. Thus, the (absolute) duration of a time resource (e.g., SF, slot, or TTI) including the same number of symbols may differ between the aggregated cells (such a time resource is commonly referred to as a time unit (TU) for convenience of description) (i.e. timing resources based operation condition)).
Regarding claim 25, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 21. PARK further teaches wherein the ability is associated with at least one of a time division multiplexing, TDM, a frequency division multiplexing, FDM, and a space-division multiplexing, SDM ([0166], e.g. that is, the IAB node may report the multiplexing capability to the CU or the parent node. The CU or the parent node may perform scheduling for supporting FDM/SDM with respect to a corresponding transmission/reception direction combination based on the reported multiplexing capability (“not TDM required”)).
Regarding claim 26, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 21. PARK further teaches wherein the ability is associated with at least one of a mobile termination and a distributed unit ([0089], e.g. On the other hand, distributed scheduling may be performed if each RN has a scheduling ability. This allows immediate scheduling for an uplink scheduling request of a UE (i.e. the ability is associated with a mobile termination)), and
at least one of a transmission and a reception of signaling ([0089], e.g. On the other hand, distributed scheduling may be performed if each RN has a scheduling ability. This allows immediate scheduling for an uplink scheduling request of a UE, and allows a backhaul/access links to be utilized more flexibly by reflecting surrounding traffic conditions (i.e. transmission and a reception of signaling)).
Regarding claim 28, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 21. PARK further teaches wherein the parent network node is a parent integrated access and backhaul, IAB, node, and the network node is an IAB node configured to simultaneously communicate ([0017], e.g. the first resource configuration information and the second resource configuration information may be scheduled to support simultaneous performance of an MT reception operation and a DU reception operation and simultaneous performance of an MT transmission operation and a DU transmission operation and not to support simultaneous performance of the MT transmission operation and the DU reception operation and simultaneous performance of the MT reception operation and the DU transmission operation),
at least with the parent network node and one child network node, the child network node being a child IAB node ([0128], Fig. 7, e.g. Each of the downlink, uplink and flexible time resources of the DU child link may be hard or soft resources. As described above, hard resources may mean that communication is always possible in the DU child link. However, in the case of soft resources, communication availability in the DU child link may be explicitly and/or implicitly controlled by the parent node. [0130] This setting can be used for effective multiplexing and interference handling among IAB node(s). For example, this setting can be used to indicate which link is valid for the time resource between the parent link and the child link).
Regarding claim 29, PARK teaches a method performed by a parent network node [0017], Fig. 5, e.g. provided is a method of configuring a resource for an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node by a network. [0019] The multiplexing capability may be classified into a capability between the MT transmission operation and the DU reception operation, a capability between the MT reception operation and the DU transmission operation, a capability between the MT reception operation and the DU reception operation, and a capability between the MT transmission operation and the DU transmission operation. [0095] An IAB node may receive a slot format configuration for communication with a parent node and a slot format configuration for communication with a child node/access UE), the method comprising:
receiving, from a network node, an ability to exploit at least one of a first multiplexing capability and a second multiplexing capability ([0018], e.g. based on no report of a multiplexing capability between the MT operation and the DU operation, the first resource configuration information and the second resource configuration information may support simultaneous performance of an MT reception operation and a DU reception operation (i.e. receive information associated with a multiplexing capability). [0071] An example of a network with such integrated access and backhaul links is shown in FIG. 5, where an IAB node or relay node (rTRP) can multiplex access and backhaul links in time, frequency, or space (e.g., beam-based operations) (i.e. wherein based on report of a multiplexing capability between the MT operation and the DU operation). [0160] The indication of the multiplexing capability for the case of no-TDM between IAB MT and IAB DU is additionally provided with respect to each transmission/reception-direction combination (per MT CC/DU cell pair));
transmitting, to the network node, signaling activating one of the first multiplexing mode and the second multiplexing mode according to the determination ([0130], e.g. This setting can be used for effective multiplexing and interference handling among IAB node(s). For example, this setting (i.e. setting based on determination) can be used to indicate which link is valid for the time resource between the parent link and the child link (i.e. activating multiplexing mode)).
PARK teaches a method and a device for performing a mobile terminal (MT) operation and a distributed unit (DU) operation by an IAB node in a wireless communication system. However PARK differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
determining an activation of one of a first multiplexing mode and a second multiplexing mode based at least in part on the received ability and operational conditions .
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, JoSoonki teaches wherein
determining an activation of one of a first multiplexing mode and a second multiplexing mode based at least in part on the received ability and operational conditions ([0289], e.g. Also, a mechanism for multiplexing RACH transmission from a UE and RACH transmission from an IAB node has to be considered (i.e. determine whether to use the activated multiplexing mode). [0231]. A carrier component may include up to N (for example, 5) BWPs (Bandwidth parts). Data communication is performed through an activated BWP, and one BWP may be activated for one UE. In the resource grid, each element is referred to as a resource element (RE), and one complex symbol may be mapped to each individual element (i.e. operational conditions)).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to implement the method of JoSoonki within the method of PARK. The motivation to combine references is that the combined system provides a method of operating a node in a wireless communication system. The method includes connecting to a parent node through an initial access process, receiving, from the parent node, first allocation information associated with communication with the parent node and second allocation information associated with communication with a child node and communicating with the parent node or the child node using a specific resource based on the first allocation information and the second allocation information. When the second allocation information informs the specific resource as a hard resource that is always available for communication with the child node, the specific resource is used for communication with the child node regardless of the first allocation information (See JoSoonki [abstract, 0011]).
Regarding claim 31, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 29. PARK further teaches wherein each of first and second resource configurations associated with the first and second multiplexing capabilities, respectively, indicates at least two attribute types, a first attribute type indicates whether resources are associated with at least one of an uplink, a downlink, and a flexible configuration ([0013], e.g. Each of the first resource configuration information and the second resource configuration information may include an indication information on an available resource, an unavailable resource, and a soft resource having availability not determined for each of a downlink and an uplink), and
a second attribute type indicates whether resources are at least one of hard, soft, and not available ([0013], e.g. Each of the first resource configuration information and the second resource configuration information may include an indication information on an available resource, an unavailable resource, and a soft resource having availability not determined for each of a downlink and an uplink and availability indication for the soft resource may be indicated through an Availability Indicator (AI) included in a DCI).
Regarding claim 32, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 29. PARK further teaches wherein the operational conditions include at least one of a timing, a power control, and a cross- link interference ([0062], e.g. Thus, the (absolute) duration of a time resource (e.g., SF, slot, or TTI) including the same number of symbols may differ between the aggregated cells (such a time resource is commonly referred to as a time unit (TU) for convenience of description) (i.e. timing resources based operation condition)).
Regarding claim 33, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 29. PARK further teaches wherein the ability is associated with one or both of: at least one of a time division multiplexing, TDM, a frequency division multiplexing, FDM, and a space-division multiplexing, SDM ([0166], e.g. that is, the IAB node may report the multiplexing capability to the CU or the parent node. The CU or the parent node may perform scheduling for supporting FDM/SDM with respect to a corresponding transmission/reception direction combination based on the reported multiplexing capability (“not TDM required”)). and
least one of a mobile termination and a distributed unit and at least one of a transmission and a reception of signaling ([0089], e.g. On the other hand, distributed scheduling may be performed if each RN has a scheduling ability. This allows immediate scheduling for an uplink scheduling request of a UE (i.e. the ability is associated with a mobile termination)).
Claims 2, 12, 22 and 30 are rejected under 35 U. S. C. 103 as being unpatentable over PARK et al. (US 20230117298 A1) in view of JoSoonki et al. ( US 20210368481 A1 ) and further in view of AklNaeem et al. (US 20210289421 A1).
Regarding claim 2, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 1. PARK in view of JoSoonki differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly teaching wherein
the radio interface is further configured to: transmit, to a donor network node, at least one of the first multiplexing capability and the second multiplexing capability; and transmit, to at least one of a parent network node and a child network node, an ability to exploit the at least one of the first multiplexing capability and the second multiplexing capability.
However, in the same field of endeavor, AklNaeem teaches that wherein
the radio interface is further configured to: transmit, to a donor network node, at least one of the first multiplexing capability and the second multiplexing capability ([0050], e.g. a central unit (e.g., an IAB donor, a base station 110, and/or the like) in a wireless multi-hop network may include means for receiving information from a wireless node associated with a change in multiplexing capability relating to communications on one or more RLC channels (i.e. transmit, to a donor network node, the multiplexing capability)); and
transmit, to at least one of a parent network node and a child network node, an ability to exploit the at least one of the first multiplexing capability and the second multiplexing capability ([0050], e.g. means for transmitting, to at least one of the wireless node, a parent node of the wireless node, or a child node of the wireless node, an indication to perform one or more actions that relate to modifying at least one of routing or RLC channel mapping in the wireless multi-hop network based at least in part on the change in multiplexing capability (i.e. transmit, to a parent network node, an ability to exploit the multiplexing capability)).
The motivation to combine reference of AklNaeem and JoSoonki within the method of PARK before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides that a wireless node in a wireless multi-hop network may determine a change in multiplexing capability relating to communications on one or more radio link control (RLC) channels, and transmit information to a central unit that enables the central unit to cause modification of at least one of routing or RLC channel mapping in the wireless multi-hop network based at least in part on the change in multiplexing capability (See AklNaeem [abstract, 0006]).
Regarding claim 12, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 11. PARK in view of JoSoonki differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly teaching wherein
transmitting, to a donor network node, at least one of the first multiplexing capability and the second multiplexing capability ([0050], e.g. a central unit (e.g., an IAB donor, a base station 110, and/or the like) in a wireless multi-hop network may include means for receiving information from a wireless node associated with a change in multiplexing capability relating to communications on one or more RLC channels (i.e. transmit, to a donor network node, the multiplexing capability)); and
transmitting, to at least one of a parent network node and a child network node, an ability to exploit the at least one of the first multiplexing capability and the second multiplexing capability ([0050], e.g. means for transmitting, to at least one of the wireless node, a parent node of the wireless node, or a child node of the wireless node, an indication to perform one or more actions that relate to modifying at least one of routing or RLC channel mapping in the wireless multi-hop network based at least in part on the change in multiplexing capability (i.e. transmit, to a parent network node, an ability to exploit the multiplexing capability)).
The motivation to combine reference of AklNaeem and JoSoonki within the method of PARK before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides that a wireless node in a wireless multi-hop network may determine a change in multiplexing capability relating to communications on one or more radio link control (RLC) channels, and transmit information to a central unit that enables the central unit to cause modification of at least one of routing or RLC channel mapping in the wireless multi-hop network based at least in part on the change in multiplexing capability (See AklNaeem [abstract, 0006]).
Regarding claim 22, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 21.
PARK in view of JoSoonki differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly teaching wherein
the radio interface is further configured to: receive, from a donor network node, at least one of the first multiplexing capability and the second multiplexing capability of the network node.
However, in the same field of endeavor, AklNaeem teaches that wherein
the radio interface is further configured to: receive, from a donor network node, at least one of the first multiplexing capability and the second multiplexing capability of the network node ([0050], e.g. a central unit (e.g., an IAB donor, a base station 110, and/or the like) in a wireless multi-hop network may include means for receiving information from a wireless node associated with a change in multiplexing capability relating to communications on one or more RLC channels (i.e. receive, from a donor network node, the multiplexing capability)).
The motivation to combine reference of AklNaeem and JoSoonki within the method of PARK before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides that a wireless node in a wireless multi-hop network may determine a change in multiplexing capability relating to communications on one or more radio link control (RLC) channels, and transmit information to a central unit that enables the central unit to cause modification of at least one of routing or RLC channel mapping in the wireless multi-hop network based at least in part on the change in multiplexing capability (See AklNaeem [abstract, 0006]).
Regarding claim 30, PARK in view of JoSoonki teaches all the limitations of claim 29.
PARK in view of JoSoonki differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly teaching wherein
the method further includes: receiving, from a donor network node, at least one of the first multiplexing capability and the second multiplexing capability of the network node.
However, in the same field of endeavor, AklNaeem teaches that wherein
the method further includes: receiving, from a donor network node, at least one of the first multiplexing capability and the second multiplexing capability of the network node. ([0050], e.g. a central unit (e.g., an IAB donor, a base station 110, and/or the like) in a wireless multi-hop network may include means for receiving information from a wireless node associated with a change in multiplexing capability relating to communications on one or more RLC channels (i.e. receive, from a donor network node, the multiplexing capability)).
The motivation to combine reference of AklNaeem and JoSoonki within the method of PARK before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides that a wireless node in a wireless multi-hop network may determine a change in multiplexing capability relating to communications on one or more radio link control (RLC) channels, and transmit information to a central unit that enables the central unit to cause modification of at least one of routing or RLC channel mapping in the wireless multi-hop network based at least in part on the change in multiplexing capability (See AklNaeem [abstract, 0006]).
Prior Art Record
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent
to applicant’s disclosure.
Seo; Hanbyul (US-11082979-B2) - Method for transmitting and receiving signal for device-to-device communication in wireless communication system and apparatus for same.
YOKOMAKURA; KAZUNARI (US-20220217661-A1) - MUTING OF SIGNALING FOR INTEGRATED ACCESS AND BACKHAUL NETWORKS.
YOU; Hyangsun (US-20230164747-A1) - OPERATING METHOD FOR IAB NODE IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS USING SAME.
Ghanbarinejad; Majid (US-20230164793-A1) - RESOURCE ATTRIBUTE CONFIGURATION.
Miao; Honglei (US-20210243782-A1) - METHODS OF ENHANCED SPS TRANSMISSION AND HARQ FEEDBACK.
Panteleev; Sergey (US-20210168852-A1) - MODE-1 DOWNLINK CONTROL INFORMATION TRANSMISSION-RECEPTION FOR CONFIGURED SIDELINK SCHEDULING IN NR V2X.
ONGGOSANUSI EKO (WO-2017014572-A1) - METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BEAM-LEVEL RADIO RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND MOBILITY IN CELLULAR NETWORK.
NG BOON LOONG (WO-2018143702-A1) - APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR BEAM MANAGEMENT IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS.
KOWALSKI JOHN MICHAEL ()WO-2020145358-A1 - RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FOR WIRELESS BACKHAUL NETWORKS.
KWAK YOUNG WOO (WO-2021178788-A1) - DYNAMIC DEMODULATION SIGNAL RESOURCE ALLOCATION.
LEE GYEONGCHEOL (EP-4117387-A1) - RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM.
ZHANG, FANG (CN-110278610-B) - A resource configuration method and communication device.
Conclusion
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/MAHENDRA R PATEL/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2645