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 .
This action is in response to the amendment filed on 4/27/2026.
Claims 1-17, 26-27 are canceled.
Claims 18, 21, 23, 28-29, 31, 34, 36, 39-40 are amended.
Claims 18-25 and 28-41 are examined and rejected based on new grounds of rejection (additional mappings from the primary reference Deogun).
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 24, 37 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
As allowable subject matter has been indicated, applicant's reply must either comply with all formal requirements or specifically traverse each requirement not complied with. See 37 CFR 1.111(b) and MPEP § 707.07(a).
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.
Claim(s) 18-23, 25, 28-36, 38-41 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Deogun (US 20250379698 A1 having priority date of Aug 12, 2022) in view of Grant (US20250279865 A1).
Regarding Claim 18, Deogun discloses a user equipment (UE) (see FIG. 20, UE) for wireless communications, comprising: one or more processors; one or more memories coupled with the one or more processors; and instructions stored in the one or more memories and executable by the one or more processors to cause the UE to:
wirelessly receive, from a network entity, at least one control message indicating a first measurement configuration for channel state information measurement via a subband full duplex time interval (see para 272-273, the base station configures different CSI-RS settings for CSI-RS transmission during SBFD slots/symbols than for CSI-RS transmission during (legacy) TDD DL slots/symbols/i.e., representing control message S2010 in FIG. 20 for first and second measurement configuration, the base station configures different CSI-RS settings for CSI-RS transmission during SBFD slots/symbols) and a second measurement configuration for channel state information measurement via a non-subband full duplex time interval (see FIG. 20, at step S2010 CSI-RS resource configuration (SFBD specific CSI-RS resource settings #1 (for FD (full duplex) slots); non-SFBD CSI-RS resource settings #2 (for TDD DL slots)), the subband full duplex time interval comprising two or more downlink subbands that are(see para 72, In subband overlapping FD, UL and DL may be configured in a similar way to subband non-overlapping FD, but the different subbands are allowed to overlap in frequency/i.e., representing an overlap in time-frequency domain);
wirelessly receive, from the network entity, at least one second control message indicating a first reporting configuration for channel state information associated with the subband full duplex time interval and a second reporting configuration for channel state information associated with the non-subband full duplex time interval (see FIG. 20, at step S2010 CSI-RS resource configuration (SFBD specific CSI-RS resource settings #1 (for FD slots); non-SFBD CSI-RS resource settings #1 (for TDD DL slots); also see FIG. 22., para 282, step 2210, the base station configures, at S2210, the UE with two different CSI-RS parameter states (each representing a different respective set of parameters) for a particular CSI reporting configuration /i.e., representing second control message S2210 in FIG. 22 for first and second reporting configuration). The parameter states include an SBFD specific CSI-RS parameter state/i.e., state #1, and a TDD specific CSI-RS parameter state/i.e., state #2. When the network transmits a trigger for triggering an aperiodic CSI report (using DCI), as indicated at S2212, it also indicates which parameter state should be used for the given CSI report).
wirelessly receive, from the network entity, one or more channel state information reference signals via the subband full duplex time interval in accordance with the first measurement configuration or via the non-subband full duplex time interval in accordance with the second measurement configuration (see para 274, at S2012 the UE performs CSI-RS measurement and reporting, the UE can perform the CSI-RS measurement and reporting based on one or more SBFD specific CSI-RS resource settings for SBFD slots/symbols and can perform the CSI-RS measurement and reporting based on one or more TDD specific CSI-RS resource settings for other (legacy) TDD slots/symbols/i.e., representing non-SBFD); and
wirelessly transmit, to the network entity, a report indicating channel state information that is based at least in part on the one or more channel state information reference signals (see FIG. 20, S2012 perform CSI-RS measurement for setting #1 or setting #2 and the UE performs CSI reporting), wherein the report is wirelessly transmitted in accordance with the first reporting configuration or the second reporting configuration (see FIG. 22., para 283, step S2214, the UE performs CSI-RS measurement and reporting, the UE can perform the CSI-RS measurement and reporting based on the set of parameters corresponding to the indicated parameter state/i.e., either state 1 representing SBFD reporting or, state #2 representing the TDD or on-SBFD reporting).
Deogun teaches receiving measurement configuration information for SBFD and non-SBFD for CSI reporting; SBFD downlink subbands that are contiguous and SBFD downlink subbands overlapping in frequency domain.
Deogun does not specify two or more downlink subbands that are non-contiguous.
In the same field of endeavor, Grant teaches this limitation: see paras 92-93, configuring reference signal (RS) resources with a non-contiguous frequency domain resource allocation in OFDM symbol(s) of a carrier configured for sub-band full duplex (SBFD) operation.
It would have been obvious, to one having ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to modify the system of Deogun to include SBFD downlink subbands that are non-contiguous, to provide flexibility in the configuration of reference signal resource allocations such as to, for example, match the subband configuration within a subband full duplex system (see Grant, para 93), and since NR is designed to support both contiguous and non-contiguous downlink (DL) subbands for SBFD.
Regarding Claims 19, 32, Deogun discloses: the first measurement configuration indicates a first quantity of antenna ports or a first antenna configuration to use for channel state information measurement via the subband full duplex time interval (see para 276, One or more SBFD specific CSI-RS resource settings for SBFD slots/symbols may indicate which CSI-RS ports are valid (or invalid) for SBFD slots. This may, for example, be indicated as a configuration, per CSI-RS resource, indicating: a list, range, and/or mask of antenna port numbers; and/or a list, range, and/or mask of antenna panels), and the second measurement configuration indicates a second quantity of antenna ports or a second antenna configuration to use for channel state information measurement via the non-subband full duplex time interval (see paras 327-328, techniques for updating DL and/or UL transmission parameters (e.g., codebook parameters, ports, and/or the like) for the transmission and/or reception of data during SBFD slots… the UE may indicate a DL codebook to the base station (e.g., via CSI reports), which is determined for a full set of ports/antenna elements available for CSI-RS in non-SBFD slots/symbols… However, during SBFD slots some of the CSI-RS ports will likely be disabled for data transmission and/or reception (e.g., on the PDSCH and/or PUSCH). There is the potential, therefore, for the transmission parameters for DL data (e.g., on the PDSCH) transmitted by the base station in an SBFD slot to be based on a CSI report that is derived from CSI-RS transmitted in a non-SBFD DL slot/symbol; also see FIG. 29. paras 334-335, the base station configures (e.g., in the CSI report configuration) different (sets of) CSI reports to be provided based on different measurements of CSI-RS transmitted in the same legacy TDD slot. Specifically, one set of CSI-RS resources and associated CSI-RS reports may be configured for use in respect of non-SBFD (legacy TDD DL) slots, and another set of CSI-RS resources and associated CSI-RS reports may be configured for use in respect of SBFD slots. For example, one set of CSI-RS resources (and associated CSI-RS reports) may be for a full antenna set and another set of CSI-RS resources (and associated CSI-RS reports) may be configured for a reduced antenna set. Accordingly, the base station 5 may configure PDSCH transmission parameters for SBFD slots based on CSI reporting in respect of the reduced antenna set and may configure PDSCH transmission parameters for non-SBFD slots based on CSI reporting in respect of the full antenna set).
Regarding Claims 20, 33, Deogun discloses: receiving measurement configuration for SBFD and non-SBFD configurations.
Deogun does not disclose details regarding the TCI and QCL information in the measurement configuration, i.e.: the first measurement configuration indicates a first transmission configuration indicator state associated with channel state information measurement via the subband full duplex time interval and with first quasi co location information associated with the subband full duplex time interval, and the second measurement configuration indicates a second transmission configuration indicator state associated with channel state information measurement via the non- subband full duplex time interval and with second quasi co location information associated with the non-subband full duplex time interval; also see para 341, FIG. 31, teaches using separate CSI-RS resources are respectively configured for CSI reporting for the PDSCH of a legacy TDD DL slot (as illustrated at 3110a)/i.e., time interval for non-SBFD, and for CSI reporting for the PDSCH of an SBFD slot (as illustrated at 3110b) /i.e., time interval for SBFD. Each CSI-RS report based on a different respective CSI-RS used for respectively configuring corresponding transmission parameters/i.e., representing TCI for non-SBFD, for the PDSCH for a legacy TDD DL slot (as illustrated at 3112a), and corresponding transmission parameters/i.e., representing TCI for SBFD, for the PDSCH for an SBFD slot (as illustrated at 3112b). In this technique, the base station configures additional parameters, for example, parameters identifying which antenna ports and/or frequency resources to respectively measure for each CSI report. This configuration of additional parameters can be done using the CSI-RS configuration, or using the associated CSI report configuration (e.g., as described with reference to FIG. 9). It will be appreciated that the two CSI-RS resources can be overlapping in radio resources to reduce the signalling overhead of transmitting essentially the same CSI-RS resource twice. Beneficially, in this example, the UE can assume quasi co-located (QCL) (all types) antenna ports for both the CSI-RS resources—i.e., assuming that the transmissions from one or more respective antenna ports for each of the CSI-RS resources share the same channel characteristics—to simplify UE's decoding effort.
Deogun teaches transmission parameters for bon non-SBFD and SBFD in respective time slots, and also teaches QCL for all CSI-RS resources or recourse configuration.
Deogun does not specify “TCI”.
.Grant discloses this limitation: see paras 42-43: multiple CSI-RS resources are configured as part of a CSI-RS resource set, and measurements are performed based on the resources in the set. A set is constructed by providing a list of CSI-RS resource IDs CSI-RS resource IDs are used is for configuration of transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states which provide the quasi co-location (QCL) sources, e.g., a CSI-RS resource, used for aiding the reception of other signals, e.g., PDSCH, physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); also see TABLEs 4-5.
It would have been obvious, to one having ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to modify the system of Deogun to include the TCI and QCL information in the measurement configuration as taught by Grant, for aiding the reception of other signals, e.g., PDSCH, physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) (see Grant, para 43).
Regarding Claims 21, 34, Deogun discloses: the first reporting configuration comprises an indication to measure periodic channel state information, semi-persistent channel state information, or aperiodic channel state information on subband full duplex time intervals and wherein the second reporting configuration comprises an indication to measure periodic channel state information, semi-persistent channel state information, or aperiodic channel state information on non-subband full duplex time intervals (see para 280, for aperiodic CSI-RS, the network can indicate, within DCI, which CSI-RS parameters are applicable; also see FIG. 22., para 282, step 2210, the base station configures the UE with two different CSI-RS parameter states (each representing a different respective set of parameters) for a particular CSI reporting configuration. The parameter states include an SBFD specific CSI-RS parameter state/i.e., state #1, and a TDD specific CSI-RS parameter state/i.e., state #2. When the network transmits a trigger for triggering an aperiodic CSI report (using DCI), as indicated at S2212, it also indicates which parameter state should be used for the given CSI report).
Regarding Claims 29, 40, Deogun discloses: the instructions are further executable by the one or more processors to cause the UE to: wirelessly transmit at least one second control message indicating a first reporting configuration for channel state information associated with the subband full duplex time interval and a second reporting configuration for channel state information associated with the non- subband full duplex time interval, wherein the channel state information indicated by the report comprises first channel state information associated with the subband full duplex time interval or second channel state information associated with the non-subband full duplex time interval based at least in part on the reporting configuration being for channel state information associated with the subband full duplex time interval and the non-subband full duplex time interval (see FIG. 22., para 282, step 2210, the base station configures, at S2210, the UE with two different CSI-RS parameter states (each representing a different respective set of parameters) for a particular CSI reporting configuration. The parameter states include an SBFD specific CSI-RS parameter state/i.e., state #1, and a TDD specific CSI-RS parameter state/i.e., state #2. When the network transmits a trigger for triggering an aperiodic CSI report (using DCI), as indicated at S2212, it also indicates which parameter state should be used for the given CSI report).
Regarding Claims 22, 35, Deogun discloses: the first reporting configuration indicates for the UE to measure channel state information reference signals received via the subband full duplex time interval and to refrain from measuring channel state information reference signals received via the non-subband full duplex time interval, the second reporting configuration indicates for the UE to refrain from measuring channel state information reference signals received via the subband full duplex time interval and to measure channel state information reference signals received via the non-subband full duplex time interval, and the one or more channel state information reference signals are measured in accordance with the first reporting configuration or the second reporting configuration (see paras, 286-293, FIG. 23 illustrates a procedure in which the base station configures at least one CSI-RS resource with full set of ports and frequency resources corresponding to a (legacy) TDD DL slot/symbol. In FIG. 23 the CSI-RS resources configured in this way for a (legacy) TDD DL slot/symbol are referred to as TDD DL CSI-RS resources … As seen in FIG. 23, the base station provides CSI-RS configuration information (at S2310). The base station hen indicates to the UE that the CSI-RS resource will not be used for transmission in a specific set of time occasions. As indicated at S2312a the base station may indicate the time occasions as a part of a DCI indication. The DCI may indicate one or more CSI-RS resources in a given CSI resource set, to be deactivated/i.e., refrain from measurement, during the set of time occasions. As indicated at S2312b the base station may indicate (e.g., via RRC configuration signalling/MAC CE/DCI or the like) for which CSI-RS resource transmission is restricted. In this case the UE can determine (as seen at S2314) the associated time occasions based on SBFD time occasions signalling (i.e. the UE 3 can determine that CSI-RS will not be transmitted using one or more CSI-RS resources during a previously configured SBFD slot/symbol). The UE can then perform CSI-RS measurement and CSI reporting (at S2316) taking account of occasions for which transmission using one or more configured CSI-RS resources does not take place. It is possible that the UE may be configured with a plurality of different SBFD configuration (e.g., with different SBFD slot/symbol patterns/timings). In this case the base station can also indicate, for each CSI-RS resource for which transmission is restricted, that the restriction is for a specific SBFD configuration… the base station may also configure two different sets of CSI-RS resources-a first set of CSI-RS resources that will not be used for transmission during SBFD slots and a second set of CSI-RS resources that are only used for transmission during SBFD slots).
Regarding Claims 23, 36, Deogun discloses: the instructions are further executable by the one or more processors to cause the UE to:
Wirelessly receive at least one second control message indicating a reporting configuration for channel state information associated with the subband full duplex time interval and the non- subband full duplex time interval, wherein the channel state information indicated by the report comprises first channel state information associated with the subband full duplex time interval or second channel state information associated with the non-subband full duplex time interval based at least in part on the reporting configuration being for channel state information associated with the subband full duplex time interval and the non-subband full duplex time interval (see para 334, in FIG. 29 (at S2914b), the base station may configure (e.g., in the CSI report configuration) different (sets of) CSI reports to be provided based on different measurements of CSI-RS transmitted in the same legacy TDD slot. Specifically, one set of CSI-RS resources and associated CSI-RS reports may be configured for use in respect of non-SBFD (legacy TDD DL) slots, and another set of CSI-RS resources and associated CSI-RS reports may be configured for use in respect of SBFD slots).
Regarding Claims 25, 38, Deogun discloses: one or more uplink subbands that overlap in a subband full duplex symbol with the two or more downlink subbands in the time domain are located between respective downlink subbands of the two or more downlink subbands in the frequency domain (see para 72, In subband overlapping FD, UL and DL may be configured in a similar way to subband non-overlapping FD, but the different subbands are allowed to overlap in frequency).
Regarding Claim 28, Deogun discloses a network entity (see FIG. 20, RAN node) for wireless communications, comprising: one or more processors; one or more memories coupled with the one or more processors; and instructions stored in the one or more memories and executable by the one or more processors to cause the network entity to:
Wirelessly transmit, to a user equipment (UE).at least one control message indicating a first measurement configuration for channel state information measurement via a subband full duplex time interval (see para 273, the base station configures/i.e., transmits, different CSI-RS settings for CSI-RS transmission during SBFD slots/symbols) and a second measurement configuration for channel state information measurement via a non-subband full duplex time interval (see FIG. 20, at step S2010 CSI-RS resource configuration (SFBD specific CSI-RS resource settings #1 (for full duplex (FD) slots); non-SFBD CSI-RS resource settings #2 (for TDD DL slots)), the subband full duplex time interval comprising two or more downlink subbands that are (see para 72, In subband overlapping FD, UL and DL may be configured in a similar way to subband non-overlapping FD, but the different subbands are allowed to overlap in frequency/i.e., representing an overlap in time-frequency domain);
wirelessly transmit, to the UE, at least one second control message indicating a first reporting configuration for channel state information associated with the subband full duplex time interval and a second reporting configuration for channel state information associated with the non-subband full duplex time interval (see FIG. 20, at step S2010 CSI-RS resource configuration (SFBD specific CSI-RS resource settings #1 (for FD slots); non-SFBD CSI-RS resource settings #1 (for TDD DL slots); also see FIG. 22., para 282, step 2210, the base station configures, at S2210, the UE with two different CSI-RS parameter states (each representing a different respective set of parameters) for a particular CSI reporting configuration /i.e., representing second control message S2210 in FIG. 22 for first and second reporting configuration). The parameter states include an SBFD specific CSI-RS parameter state/i.e., state #1, and a TDD specific CSI-RS parameter state/i.e., state #2. When the network transmits a trigger for triggering an aperiodic CSI report (using DCI), as indicated at S2212, it also indicates which parameter state should be used for the given CSI report).
Wirelessly transmit, to the UE, one or more channel state information reference signals via the subband full duplex time interval or via the non-subband full duplex time interval (see para 274, at S2012 the UE performs CSI-RS measurement and reporting, the UE can perform the CSI-RS measurement and reporting based on one or more SBFD specific CSI-RS resource settings for SBFD slots/symbols and can perform the CSI-RS measurement and reporting based on one or more TDD specific CSI-RS resource settings for other (legacy) TDD slots/symbols/i.e., representing non-SBFD); and
Wirelessly receive, from the UE in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the second measurement configuration, a report indicating channel state information that is based at least in part on the one or more channel state information reference signals (see FIG. 20, S2012 perform CSI-RS measurement for setting #1 or setting #2 and the UE performs CSI reporting) , wherein the report is wirelessly transmitted in accordance with the first reporting configuration or the second reporting configuration (see FIG. 22., para 283, step S2214, the UE performs CSI-RS measurement and reporting, the UE can perform the CSI-RS measurement and reporting based on the set of parameters corresponding to the indicated parameter state/i.e., either state 1 representing SBFD reporting or, state #2 representing the TDD or on-SBFD reporting).
Deogun teaches receiving measurement configuration information for SBFD and non-SBFD for CSI reporting; SBFD downlink subbands that are contiguous and SBFD downlink subbands overlapping in frequency domain.
Deogun does not specify two or more downlink subbands that are non-contiguous.
In the same field of endeavor, Grant teaches this limitation: see paras 92-93, configuring reference signal (RS) resources with a non-contiguous frequency domain resource allocation in OFDM symbol(s) of a carrier configured for sub-band full duplex (SBFD) operation.
It would have been obvious, to one having ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to modify the system of Deogun to include SBFD downlink subbands that are non-contiguous, to provide flexibility in the configuration of reference signal resource allocations such as to, for example, match the subband configuration within a subband full duplex system (see Grant, para 93), and since NR is designed to support both contiguous and non-contiguous downlink (DL) subbands for SBFD.
Regarding Claims 30 and 41, Deogun discloses: the instructions are further executable by the one or more processors to cause the network entity to: determine whether the report comprises the first channel state information or the second channel state information based at least in part on whether the one or more channel state information reference signals are transmitted via the subband full duplex time interval or the non-subband full duplex time interval (see FIG. 20, at step S2010 CSI-RS resource configuration (SFBD specific CSI-RS resource settings #1 (for FD slots); non-SFBD CSI-RS resource settings #1 (for TDD DL slots)), and at step S2012 perform CSI-RS measurement for setting #1 or setting #2 and the UE performs CSI reporting; also see FIG. 22. Para 283, at step S2214, the UE performs CSI-RS measurement and reporting, the UE can perform the CSI-RS measurement and reporting based on the set of parameters corresponding to the indicated parameter state, i.e., as illustrated in FIG. 22, step S2210 - state #1 for SBFD CSI report; and state #2 for non-SBFD CSI report)).
Regarding Claim 31, Deogun discloses a method for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising:
wirelessly receive, from a network entity, at least one control message indicating a first measurement configuration for channel state information measurement via a subband full duplex time interval (see para 272-273, the base station configures different CSI-RS settings for CSI-RS transmission during SBFD slots/symbols than for CSI-RS transmission during (legacy) TDD DL slots/symbols/i.e., representing control message S2010 in FIG. 20 for first and second measurement configuration, the base station configures different CSI-RS settings for CSI-RS transmission during SBFD slots/symbols) and a second measurement configuration for channel state information measurement via a non-subband full duplex time interval (see FIG. 20, at step S2010 CSI-RS resource configuration (SFBD specific CSI-RS resource settings #1 (for FD (full duplex) slots); non-SFBD CSI-RS resource settings #2 (for TDD DL slots)), the subband full duplex time interval comprising two or more downlink subbands that are(see para 72, In subband overlapping FD, UL and DL may be configured in a similar way to subband non-overlapping FD, but the different subbands are allowed to overlap in frequency/i.e., representing an overlap in time-frequency domain);
wirelessly receive, from the network entity, at least one second control message indicating a first reporting configuration for channel state information associated with the subband full duplex time interval and a second reporting configuration for channel state information associated with the non-subband full duplex time interval (see FIG. 20, at step S2010 CSI-RS resource configuration (SFBD specific CSI-RS resource settings #1 (for FD slots); non-SFBD CSI-RS resource settings #1 (for TDD DL slots); also see FIG. 22., para 282, step 2210, the base station configures, at S2210, the UE with two different CSI-RS parameter states (each representing a different respective set of parameters) for a particular CSI reporting configuration /i.e., representing second control message S2210 in FIG. 22 for first and second reporting configuration). The parameter states include an SBFD specific CSI-RS parameter state/i.e., state #1, and a TDD specific CSI-RS parameter state/i.e., state #2. When the network transmits a trigger for triggering an aperiodic CSI report (using DCI), as indicated at S2212, it also indicates which parameter state should be used for the given CSI report).
wirelessly receive, from the network entity, one or more channel state information reference signals via the subband full duplex time interval in accordance with the first measurement configuration or via the non-subband full duplex time interval in accordance with the second measurement configuration (see para 274, at S2012 the UE performs CSI-RS measurement and reporting, the UE can perform the CSI-RS measurement and reporting based on one or more SBFD specific CSI-RS resource settings for SBFD slots/symbols and can perform the CSI-RS measurement and reporting based on one or more TDD specific CSI-RS resource settings for other (legacy) TDD slots/symbols/i.e., representing non-SBFD); and
wirelessly transmit, to the network entity, a report indicating channel state information that is based at least in part on the one or more channel state information reference signals (see FIG. 20, S2012 perform CSI-RS measurement for setting #1 or setting #2 and the UE performs CSI reporting), wherein the report is wirelessly transmitted in accordance with the first reporting configuration or the second reporting configuration (see FIG. 22., para 283, step S2214, the UE performs CSI-RS measurement and reporting, the UE can perform the CSI-RS measurement and reporting based on the set of parameters corresponding to the indicated parameter state/i.e., either state 1 representing SBFD reporting or, state #2 representing the TDD or on-SBFD reporting).
Deogun teaches receiving measurement configuration information for SBFD and non-SBFD for CSI reporting; SBFD downlink subbands that are contiguous and SBFD downlink subbands overlapping in frequency domain.
Deogun does not specify two or more downlink subbands that are non-contiguous.
In the same field of endeavor, Grant teaches this limitation: see paras 92-93, configuring reference signal (RS) resources with a non-contiguous frequency domain resource allocation in OFDM symbol(s) of a carrier configured for sub-band full duplex (SBFD) operation.
It would have been obvious, to one having ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to modify the system of Deogun to include SBFD downlink subbands that are non-contiguous, to provide flexibility in the configuration of reference signal resource allocations such as to, for example, match the subband configuration within a subband full duplex system (see Grant, para 93), and since NR is designed to support both contiguous and non-contiguous downlink (DL) subbands for SBFD.
Regarding Claim 39, Deogun discloses a method for wireless communication at a network entity, comprising:
Wirelessly transmit, to a user equipment (UE).at least one control message indicating a first measurement configuration for channel state information measurement via a subband full duplex time interval (see para 273, the base station configures/i.e., transmits, different CSI-RS settings for CSI-RS transmission during SBFD slots/symbols) and a second measurement configuration for channel state information measurement via a non-subband full duplex time interval (see FIG. 20, at step S2010 CSI-RS resource configuration (SFBD specific CSI-RS resource settings #1 (for full duplex (FD) slots); non-SFBD CSI-RS resource settings #2 (for TDD DL slots)), the subband full duplex time interval comprising two or more downlink subbands that are (see para 72, In subband overlapping FD, UL and DL may be configured in a similar way to subband non-overlapping FD, but the different subbands are allowed to overlap in frequency/i.e., representing an overlap in time-frequency domain);
wirelessly transmit, to the UE, at least one second control message indicating a first reporting configuration for channel state information associated with the subband full duplex time interval and a second reporting configuration for channel state information associated with the non-subband full duplex time interval (see FIG. 20, at step S2010 CSI-RS resource configuration (SFBD specific CSI-RS resource settings #1 (for FD slots); non-SFBD CSI-RS resource settings #1 (for TDD DL slots); also see FIG. 22., para 282, step 2210, the base station configures, at S2210, the UE with two different CSI-RS parameter states (each representing a different respective set of parameters) for a particular CSI reporting configuration /i.e., representing second control message S2210 in FIG. 22 for first and second reporting configuration). The parameter states include an SBFD specific CSI-RS parameter state/i.e., state #1, and a TDD specific CSI-RS parameter state/i.e., state #2. When the network transmits a trigger for triggering an aperiodic CSI report (using DCI), as indicated at S2212, it also indicates which parameter state should be used for the given CSI report).
Wirelessly transmit, to the UE, one or more channel state information reference signals via the subband full duplex time interval or via the non-subband full duplex time interval (see para 274, at S2012 the UE performs CSI-RS measurement and reporting, the UE can perform the CSI-RS measurement and reporting based on one or more SBFD specific CSI-RS resource settings for SBFD slots/symbols and can perform the CSI-RS measurement and reporting based on one or more TDD specific CSI-RS resource settings for other (legacy) TDD slots/symbols/i.e., representing non-SBFD); and
Wirelessly receive, from the UE in accordance with the first measurement configuration or the second measurement configuration, a report indicating channel state information that is based at least in part on the one or more channel state information reference signals (see FIG. 20, S2012 perform CSI-RS measurement for setting #1 or setting #2 and the UE performs CSI reporting) , wherein the report is wirelessly transmitted in accordance with the first reporting configuration or the second reporting configuration (see FIG. 22., para 283, step S2214, the UE performs CSI-RS measurement and reporting, the UE can perform the CSI-RS measurement and reporting based on the set of parameters corresponding to the indicated parameter state/i.e., either state 1 representing SBFD reporting or, state #2 representing the TDD or on-SBFD reporting).
Deogun teaches receiving measurement configuration information for SBFD and non-SBFD for CSI reporting; SBFD downlink subbands that are contiguous and SBFD downlink subbands overlapping in frequency domain.
Deogun does not specify two or more downlink subbands that are non-contiguous.
In the same field of endeavor, Grant teaches this limitation: see paras 92-93, configuring reference signal (RS) resources with a non-contiguous frequency domain resource allocation in OFDM symbol(s) of a carrier configured for sub-band full duplex (SBFD) operation.
It would have been obvious, to one having ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to modify the system of Deogun to include SBFD downlink subbands that are non-contiguous, to provide flexibility in the configuration of reference signal resource allocations such as to, for example, match the subband configuration within a subband full duplex system (see Grant, para 93), and since NR is designed to support both contiguous and non-contiguous downlink (DL) subbands for SBFD.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 4/27/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive as detailed below:
On pages 12-13, the Applicant argues regarding the independent claim 18, that Deogun has not been shown to teach or suggest a second control message indicating two reporting configurations that govern reporting-side behavior depending on whether the CSI occasion is SBFD or non-SBFD.
The Examiner respectfully disagrees. Claim 18 recites in part: “… wirelessly receive, from the network entity, at least one second control message indicating a first reporting configuration for channel state information associated with the subband full duplex time interval and a second reporting configuration for channel state information associated with the non-subband full duplex time interval…”
As detailed in the rejection above, the primary reference Deogun teaches in FIG. 22., and step S2210 that the base station sends a CSI report configuration that is SBFD specific CSI-RS parameter (indicated by state #1), and non-SBFD specific CSI-RS parameter state #2. Hence Deogun clearly teaches the above limitation.
On pages 13-14, the Applicant argues regarding dependent claim 20, that Deogun in view of grant do not disclose: “… the first measurement configuration indicates a first transmission configuration indicator state associated with channel state information measurement via the subband full duplex time interval and with first quasi co location information associated with the subband full duplex time interval, and the second measurement configuration indicates a second transmission configuration indicator state associated with channel state information measurement via the non- subband full duplex time interval and with second quasi co location information associated with the non-subband full duplex time interval.”
The Examiner respectfully disagrees. Deogun at para 341, FIG. 31, teaches using separate CSI-RS resources are respectively configured for CSI reporting for the PDSCH of a legacy TDD DL slot (as illustrated at 3110a)/i.e., time interval for non-SBFD, and for CSI reporting for the PDSCH of an SBFD slot (as illustrated at 3110b) /i.e., time interval for SBFD. Each CSI-RS report based on a different respective CSI-RS used for respectively configuring corresponding transmission parameters/i.e., representing TCI for non-SBFD, for the PDSCH for a legacy TDD DL slot (as illustrated at 3112a), and corresponding transmission parameters/i.e., representing TCI for SBFD, for the PDSCH for an SBFD slot (as illustrated at 3112b). In this technique, the base station configures additional parameters, for example, parameters identifying which antenna ports and/or frequency resources to respectively measure for each CSI report. This configuration of additional parameters can be done using the CSI-RS configuration, or using the associated CSI report configuration (e.g., as described with reference to FIG. 9). It will be appreciated that the two CSI-RS resources can be overlapping in radio resources to reduce the signalling overhead of transmitting essentially the same CSI-RS resource twice. Beneficially, in this example, the UE can assume quasi co-located (QCL) (all types) antenna ports for both the CSI-RS resources—i.e., assuming that the transmissions from one or more respective antenna ports for each of the CSI-RS resources share the same channel characteristics—to simplify UE's decoding effort.
Deogun teaches transmission parameters for bon non-SBFD and SBFD in respective time slots, and also teaches QCL for all CSI-RS resources or recourse configuration.
Deogun does not specify “TCI”.
Grant teaches CSI-RS resource configuration of TCI states provide QCL CSI-RS resources.
Hence the combination of Deogun and Grant teaches the claim 20.
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 DEEPA BELUR whose telephone number is (571)270-3722. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8 am - 4:30 pm.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Kevin Bates can be reached at 571-272-3980. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/DEEPA BELUR/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2472
Prosecution Insights