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 .
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 3/23/2026 has been entered.
Claims 1-30 are pending.
Claims 1-30 stand rejected.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries 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.
Claim(s) 1-3, 13-15, 21-22 and 30 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yi et al. (Pub. No.: US 20210203468 A1) in view of Mitra et al. (Pub. No.: US 20210250808 A1), hereafter respectively referred to as Yi and Mitra.
In regard to Claim 1, Yi teaches A method for wireless communications at user equipment (UE) (a wireless device, Para. 503, FIG. 38), comprising: receiving first control signaling indicating a plurality of bandwidth parts for the UE (one or more first RRC messages may comprise configuration parameters of a plurality of BWP indices, wherein each BWP index of the plurality of BWP indicis corresponds to a downlink BWP of a plurality of downlink BWPs, Para. 503, FIG. 38).
Yi teaches receiving, from a network entity (the base station, Para. 503, FIG. 38), second control signaling (The wireless device may receive a second command via a DCI, Para. 509, FIG. 38) indicating one or more first configuration parameters for a discontinuous transmission cycle of the network entity or one or more second configuration parameters for a discontinuous reception cycle of the network entity (The wireless device transitions the one or more SCells from the dormant state to the active state during the DRX active time based on receiving a DCI indicating an uplink or a downlink grant (e.g., Scheduling DCI in FIG. 29), Para. 454, FIG. 29, 38. FIG. 38 illustrates a diagram of switching to a PS-active BWP in response to a command indicating transition from a first power state (e.g., DRX off state) to a second power state (e.g., DRX active state), Para. 503, FIG. 38. The wireless device may receive a second command via a DCI indicating transitioning from a dormant state to a normal state of the secondary cell, Para. 509, FIG. 38).
Yi teaches switching an active bandwidth part (FIG. 38 illustrates a diagram of switching to a PS-active BWP, Para. 503, FIG. 38) for communication between the network entity and the UE from a first bandwidth part (the first downlink BWP, Para. 503, FIG. 38) of the plurality of bandwidth parts (a plurality of downlink BWPs, Para. 503, FIG. 38) to a second bandwidth part (The second downlink BWP is a PS-active BWP, Para. 505, FIG. 38) of the plurality of bandwidth parts (a second BWP index, from the plurality of BWP indices, indicating the second downlink BWP, Para. 505, FIG. 38) based at least in part on the network entity entering the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle in accordance with the second control signaling (in response to a command indicating transition from a first power state (e.g., DRX off state) to a second power state (e.g., DRX active state), Para. 503, FIG. 38. The wireless device may receive a second command via a DCI indicating transitioning from a dormant state to a normal state of the secondary cell, Para. 509, FIG. 38).
Yi fails to teach, wherein the one or more first configuration parameters indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle and an inactive duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle, and wherein the one or more second configuration parameters indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous reception cycle and an inactive duration of the discontinuous reception cycle.
Mitra teaches, wherein the one or more first configuration parameters (receiving one or more messages from the network, Para. 133, FIG. 1) indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle (one or more messages from the network that indicate at least one of: and/or (2) a length of a DTX “wake” cycle, in which the UE is configured to operate in a high-power mode and is allowed to transmit signaling to the network, Para. 133) and an inactive duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle (one or more messages from the network that indicate at least one of: (1) a length of a DTX “sleep” cycle, in which the UE is configured to operate in a low-power mode and refrain from transmitting signaling to the network, Para. 133), and wherein the one or more second configuration parameters indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous reception cycle (receiving one or more messages from the network that indicate at least one of: and/or (2) a length of a DRX “wake” cycle, in which the UE is configured to operate in a high-power mode and may receive signaling from the network, Para. 134, FIG. 1) and an inactive duration of the discontinuous reception cycle (one or more messages from the network that indicate at least one of: (1) a length of a DRX “sleep” cycle, in which the UE is configured to operate in a low-power mode and refrain from receiving signaling from the network, Para. 134).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Mitra with the teachings of Yi since Mitra provides a technique for messages of DRX and messages of DTX to indicate lengths of high-power modes and low-power modes, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi to permit a base station to configure DRX states and DTX states through indications of lengths for active states and off states.
In regard to Claim 2, Yi teaches receiving, with the first control signaling, an indication of a default bandwidth part (one or more first RRC messages may comprise configuration parameters of a plurality of BWP indices, wherein each BWP index of the plurality of BWP indicis corresponds to a downlink BWP of a plurality of downlink BWPs, Para. 503, FIG. 38), wherein the second bandwidth part is the default bandwidth part (a second BWP index, from the plurality of BWP indices, indicating the second downlink BWP, Para. 505, FIG. 38).
In regard to Claim 3, Yi teaches receiving, with the first control signaling or the second control signaling (a command indicating transition from a first power state (e.g., DRX off state) to a second power state (e.g., DRX active state), Para. 503, FIG. 38), an indication that the second bandwidth part is associated with at least one of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle (one or more third RRC messages comprising a second configuration parameter of a second BWP index, from the plurality of BWP indices, indicating the second downlink BWP for transitioning from the dormant state to the non-dormant state, Para. 505, FIG. 38). [the examiner notes that the one or more third RRC messages of Yi may act as a type of command indicating transition from a first power state (e.g., DRX off state) to a second power state (e.g., DRX active state)].
In regard to Claim 13, Yi teaches A method for wireless communications at a network entity (the base station, Para. 503, FIG. 38), comprising: transmitting, to a user equipment (UE) (a wireless device, Para. 503, FIG. 38), first control signaling indicating a plurality of bandwidth parts for the UE (one or more first RRC messages may comprise configuration parameters of a plurality of BWP indices, wherein each BWP index of the plurality of BWP indicis corresponds to a downlink BWP of a plurality of downlink BWPs, Para. 503, FIG. 38).
Yi teaches transmitting, to the UE (a wireless device, Para. 503, FIG. 38), second control signaling (The wireless device may receive a second command via a DCI, Para. 509, FIG. 38) indicating one or more first configuration parameters of a discontinuous transmission cycle of the network entity or one or more second configuration parameters of a discontinuous reception cycle of the network entity (The wireless device transitions the one or more SCells from the dormant state to the active state during the DRX active time based on receiving a DCI indicating an uplink or a downlink grant (e.g., Scheduling DCI in FIG. 29), Para. 454, FIG. 29, 38. FIG. 38 illustrates a diagram of switching to a PS-active BWP in response to a command indicating transition from a first power state (e.g., DRX off state) to a second power state (e.g., DRX active state), Para. 503, FIG. 38. The wireless device may receive a second command via a DCI indicating transitioning from a dormant state to a normal state of the secondary cell, Para. 509, FIG. 38).
Yi teaches switching an active bandwidth part (FIG. 38 illustrates a diagram of switching to a PS-active BWP, Para. 503, FIG. 38) for communication between the network entity and the UE from a first bandwidth part (the first downlink BWP, Para. 503, FIG. 38) of the plurality of bandwidth parts (a plurality of downlink BWPs, Para. 503, FIG. 38) to a second bandwidth part (The second downlink BWP is a PS-active BWP, Para. 505, FIG. 38) of the plurality of bandwidth parts (a second BWP index, from the plurality of BWP indices, indicating the second downlink BWP, Para. 505, FIG. 38) based at least in part on the network entity entering the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle in accordance with the second control signaling (in response to a command indicating transition from a first power state (e.g., DRX off state) to a second power state (e.g., DRX active state), Para. 503, FIG. 38. The wireless device may receive a second command via a DCI indicating transitioning from a dormant state to a normal state of the secondary cell, Para. 509, FIG. 38).
Yi fails to teach, wherein the one or more first configuration parameters indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle and an inactive duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle, and wherein the one or more second configuration parameters indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous reception cycle and an inactive duration of the discontinuous reception cycle.
Mitra teaches, wherein the one or more first configuration parameters (receiving one or more messages from the network, Para. 133, FIG. 1) indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle (one or more messages from the network that indicate at least one of: and/or (2) a length of a DTX “wake” cycle, in which the UE is configured to operate in a high-power mode and is allowed to transmit signaling to the network, Para. 133) and an inactive duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle (one or more messages from the network that indicate at least one of: (1) a length of a DTX “sleep” cycle, in which the UE is configured to operate in a low-power mode and refrain from transmitting signaling to the network, Para. 133), and wherein the one or more second configuration parameters indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous reception cycle (receiving one or more messages from the network that indicate at least one of: and/or (2) a length of a DRX “wake” cycle, in which the UE is configured to operate in a high-power mode and may receive signaling from the network, Para. 134, FIG. 1) and an inactive duration of the discontinuous reception cycle (one or more messages from the network that indicate at least one of: (1) a length of a DRX “sleep” cycle, in which the UE is configured to operate in a low-power mode and refrain from receiving signaling from the network, Para. 134).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Mitra with the teachings of Yi since Mitra provides a technique for messages of DRX and messages of DTX to indicate lengths of high-power modes and low-power modes, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi to permit a base station to configure DRX states and DTX states through indications of lengths for active states and off states.
In regard to Claim 14, Yi teaches transmitting, with the first control signaling, an indication of a default bandwidth part (one or more first RRC messages may comprise configuration parameters of a plurality of BWP indices, wherein each BWP index of the plurality of BWP indicis corresponds to a downlink BWP of a plurality of downlink BWPs, Para. 503, FIG. 38), wherein the second bandwidth part is the default bandwidth part (a second BWP index, from the plurality of BWP indices, indicating the second downlink BWP, Para. 505, FIG. 38).
In regard to Claim 15, Yi teaches transmitting, with the first control signaling or the second control signaling (a command indicating transition from a first power state (e.g., DRX off state) to a second power state (e.g., DRX active state), Para. 503, FIG. 38), an indication that the second bandwidth part is associated with at least one of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle (one or more third RRC messages comprising a second configuration parameter of a second BWP index, from the plurality of BWP indices, indicating the second downlink BWP for transitioning from the dormant state to the non-dormant state, Para. 505, FIG. 38). [the examiner notes that the one or more third RRC messages of Yi may act as a type of command indicating transition from a first power state (e.g., DRX off state) to a second power state (e.g., DRX active state)].
In regard to Claim 21, Yi teaches An apparatus for wireless communications at user equipment (UE) (a wireless device, Para. 503, FIG. 38), comprising: at least one processor (processor 314, Para. 228, FIG. 3); memory coupled with the at least one processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the at least one processor (program code instructions 316 stored in non-transitory memory 315 and executable by the at least one processor 314, Para. 228, FIG. 3) to cause the apparatus to: receive first control signaling indicating a plurality of bandwidth parts for the UE (one or more first RRC messages may comprise configuration parameters of a plurality of BWP indices, wherein each BWP index of the plurality of BWP indicis corresponds to a downlink BWP of a plurality of downlink BWPs, Para. 503, FIG. 38).
Yi teaches receive, from a network entity (the base station, Para. 503, FIG. 38), second control signaling (The wireless device may receive a second command via a DCI, Para. 509, FIG. 38) indicating one or more first configuration parameters of a discontinuous transmission cycle of the network entity or one or more second configuration parameters of a discontinuous reception cycle of the network entity (The wireless device transitions the one or more SCells from the dormant state to the active state during the DRX active time based on receiving a DCI indicating an uplink or a downlink grant (e.g., Scheduling DCI in FIG. 29), Para. 454, FIG. 29, 38. FIG. 38 illustrates a diagram of switching to a PS-active BWP in response to a command indicating transition from a first power state (e.g., DRX off state) to a second power state (e.g., DRX active state), Para. 503, FIG. 38. The wireless device may receive a second command via a DCI indicating transitioning from a dormant state to a normal state of the secondary cell, Para. 509, FIG. 38).
Yi teaches switch an active bandwidth part (FIG. 38 illustrates a diagram of switching to a PS-active BWP, Para. 503, FIG. 38) for communication between the network entity and the UE from a first bandwidth part (the first downlink BWP, Para. 503, FIG. 38) of the plurality of bandwidth parts (a plurality of downlink BWPs, Para. 503, FIG. 38) to a second bandwidth part (The second downlink BWP is a PS-active BWP, Para. 505, FIG. 38) of the plurality of bandwidth parts (a second BWP index, from the plurality of BWP indices, indicating the second downlink BWP, Para. 505, FIG. 38) based at least in part on the network entity entering the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle in accordance with the second control signaling (in response to a command indicating transition from a first power state (e.g., DRX off state) to a second power state (e.g., DRX active state), Para. 503, FIG. 38. The wireless device may receive a second command via a DCI indicating transitioning from a dormant state to a normal state of the secondary cell, Para. 509, FIG. 38).
Yi fails to teach, wherein the one or more first configuration parameters indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle and an inactive duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle, and wherein the one or more second configuration parameters indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous reception cycle and an inactive duration of the discontinuous reception cycle.
Mitra teaches, wherein the one or more first configuration parameters (receiving one or more messages from the network, Para. 133, FIG. 1) indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle (one or more messages from the network that indicate at least one of: and/or (2) a length of a DTX “wake” cycle, in which the UE is configured to operate in a high-power mode and is allowed to transmit signaling to the network, Para. 133) and an inactive duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle (one or more messages from the network that indicate at least one of: (1) a length of a DTX “sleep” cycle, in which the UE is configured to operate in a low-power mode and refrain from transmitting signaling to the network, Para. 133), and wherein the one or more second configuration parameters indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous reception cycle (receiving one or more messages from the network that indicate at least one of: and/or (2) a length of a DRX “wake” cycle, in which the UE is configured to operate in a high-power mode and may receive signaling from the network, Para. 134, FIG. 1) and an inactive duration of the discontinuous reception cycle (one or more messages from the network that indicate at least one of: (1) a length of a DRX “sleep” cycle, in which the UE is configured to operate in a low-power mode and refrain from receiving signaling from the network, Para. 134).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Mitra with the teachings of Yi since Mitra provides a technique for messages of DRX and messages of DTX to indicate lengths of high-power modes and low-power modes, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi to permit a base station to configure DRX states and DTX states through indications of lengths for active states and off states.
In regard to Claim 22, Yi teaches the instructions are further executable by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: receive, with the first control signaling, an indication of a default bandwidth part (one or more first RRC messages may comprise configuration parameters of a plurality of BWP indices, wherein each BWP index of the plurality of BWP indicis corresponds to a downlink BWP of a plurality of downlink BWPs, Para. 503, FIG. 38), wherein the second bandwidth part is the default bandwidth part (a second BWP index, from the plurality of BWP indices, indicating the second downlink BWP, Para. 505, FIG. 38).
In regard to Claim 23, Yi teaches the instructions are further executable by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: receive, with the first control signaling or the second control signaling (a command indicating transition from a first power state (e.g., DRX off state) to a second power state (e.g., DRX active state), Para. 503, FIG. 38), an indication that the second bandwidth part is associated with at least one of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle (one or more third RRC messages comprising a second configuration parameter of a second BWP index, from the plurality of BWP indices, indicating the second downlink BWP for transitioning from the dormant state to the non-dormant state, Para. 505, FIG. 38). [the examiner notes that the one or more third RRC messages of Yi may act as a type of command indicating transition from a first power state (e.g., DRX off state) to a second power state (e.g., DRX active state)].
In regard to Claim 30, Yi teaches An apparatus for wireless communications at a network entity (the base station, Para. 503, FIG. 38), comprising: at least one processor (processor 321A, Para. 215, FIG. 3); memory coupled with the at least one processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the at least one processor (program code instructions 323A stored in non-transitory memory 322A and executable by the at least one processor 321A, Para. 215, FIG. 3) to cause the apparatus to: transmit, to a user equipment (UE) (a wireless device, Para. 503, FIG. 38), first control signaling indicating a plurality of bandwidth parts for the UE (one or more first RRC messages may comprise configuration parameters of a plurality of BWP indices, wherein each BWP index of the plurality of BWP indicis corresponds to a downlink BWP of a plurality of downlink BWPs, Para. 503, FIG. 38).
Yi teaches transmit, to the UE (a wireless device, Para. 503, FIG. 38), second control signaling (The wireless device may receive a second command via a DCI, Para. 509, FIG. 38) indicating one or more first configuration parameters of a discontinuous transmission cycle of the network entity or one or more second configuration parameters of a discontinuous reception cycle of the network entity (The wireless device transitions the one or more SCells from the dormant state to the active state during the DRX active time based on receiving a DCI indicating an uplink or a downlink grant (e.g., Scheduling DCI in FIG. 29), Para. 454, FIG. 29, 38. FIG. 38 illustrates a diagram of switching to a PS-active BWP in response to a command indicating transition from a first power state (e.g., DRX off state) to a second power state (e.g., DRX active state), Para. 503, FIG. 38. The wireless device may receive a second command via a DCI indicating transitioning from a dormant state to a normal state of the secondary cell, Para. 509, FIG. 38).
Yi teaches switch an active bandwidth part (FIG. 38 illustrates a diagram of switching to a PS-active BWP, Para. 503, FIG. 38) for communication between the network entity and the UE from a first bandwidth part (the first downlink BWP, Para. 503, FIG. 38) of the plurality of bandwidth parts (a plurality of downlink BWPs, Para. 503, FIG. 38) to a second bandwidth part (The second downlink BWP is a PS-active BWP, Para. 505, FIG. 38) of the plurality of bandwidth parts (a second BWP index, from the plurality of BWP indices, indicating the second downlink BWP, Para. 505, FIG. 38) based at least in part on the network entity entering the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle in accordance with the second control signaling (in response to a command indicating transition from a first power state (e.g., DRX off state) to a second power state (e.g., DRX active state), Para. 503, FIG. 38. The wireless device may receive a second command via a DCI indicating transitioning from a dormant state to a normal state of the secondary cell, Para. 509, FIG. 38).
Yi fails to teach, wherein the one or more first configuration parameters indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle and an inactive duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle, and wherein the one or more second configuration parameters indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous reception cycle and an inactive duration of the discontinuous reception cycle.
Mitra teaches, wherein the one or more first configuration parameters (receiving one or more messages from the network, Para. 133, FIG. 1) indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle (one or more messages from the network that indicate at least one of: and/or (2) a length of a DTX “wake” cycle, in which the UE is configured to operate in a high-power mode and is allowed to transmit signaling to the network, Para. 133) and an inactive duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle (one or more messages from the network that indicate at least one of: (1) a length of a DTX “sleep” cycle, in which the UE is configured to operate in a low-power mode and refrain from transmitting signaling to the network, Para. 133), and wherein the one or more second configuration parameters indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous reception cycle (receiving one or more messages from the network that indicate at least one of: and/or (2) a length of a DRX “wake” cycle, in which the UE is configured to operate in a high-power mode and may receive signaling from the network, Para. 134, FIG. 1) and an inactive duration of the discontinuous reception cycle (one or more messages from the network that indicate at least one of: (1) a length of a DRX “sleep” cycle, in which the UE is configured to operate in a low-power mode and refrain from receiving signaling from the network, Para. 134).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Mitra with the teachings of Yi since Mitra provides a technique for messages of DRX and messages of DTX to indicate lengths of high-power modes and low-power modes, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi to permit a base station to configure DRX states and DTX states through indications of lengths for active states and off states.
Claim(s) 4-5, 16-17 and 24-25 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yi in view of Mitra, and further in view of Wang (Pub. No.: US 20250261275 A1), hereafter referred to as Wang.
In regard to Claim 4, Yi teaches switching the active bandwidth part (FIG. 38 illustrates a diagram of switching to a PS-active BWP, Para. 503, FIG. 38).
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach receiving third control signaling indicating a triggering condition for switching the active bandwidth part, wherein switching the active bandwidth part is based at least in part on the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle satisfying the triggering condition.
Wang teaches receiving third control signaling indicating a triggering condition for switching the active bandwidth part, wherein switching the active bandwidth part is based at least in part on the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle satisfying the triggering condition (The terminal or the network device may work on several frequency ranges, Para. 34. In FIG. 3A, the network device 120 transmits 301, to the terminal device 110, a configuration of DRX cycle, Para. 54, FIG. 3A. The configuration may indicate at least one of the following: a length of DRX cycle, Para. 55, FIG. 3A. The terminal device 110 may determine a set of starting times for a set of DRX cycles based on the configuration, Para. 56).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Wang with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Wang provides a technique for messaging that configures parameters for DRX cycles, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit a base station to configure DRX states of terminals in relation to switching to a PS-active BWP.
In regard to Claim 5, Yi teaches the discontinuous reception cycle (a command indicating transition from a first power state (e.g., DRX off state) to a second power state (e.g., DRX active state), Para. 503, FIG. 38).
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach the triggering condition comprises at least one of a first duration between active periods of the discontinuous transmission cycle or a second duration between active periods of the discontinuous reception cycle.
Wang teaches the triggering condition comprises at least one of a first duration between active periods of the discontinuous transmission cycle or a second duration between active periods of the discontinuous reception cycle (The terminal or the network device may work on several frequency ranges, Para. 34. In FIG. 3A, the network device 120 transmits 301, to the terminal device 110, a configuration of DRX cycle, Para. 54, FIG. 3A. The configuration may indicate at least one of the following: a length of DRX cycle, a start offset for DRX cycle, and a slot offset for DRX cycle, Para. 55, FIG. 3A. The terminal device 110 may determine a set of starting times for a set of DRX cycles based on the configuration, Para. 56).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Wang with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Wang provides a technique for messaging that configures parameters for DRX cycles, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit a base station to configure DRX states of terminals in relation to switching to a PS-active BWP.
In regard to Claim 16, Yi teaches switching the active bandwidth part (FIG. 38 illustrates a diagram of switching to a PS-active BWP, Para. 503, FIG. 38).
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach transmitting, to the UE, third control signaling indicating a triggering condition for switching the active bandwidth part, wherein switching the active bandwidth part is based at least in part on the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle satisfying the triggering condition.
Wang teaches transmitting, to the UE, third control signaling indicating a triggering condition for switching the active bandwidth part, wherein switching the active bandwidth part is based at least in part on the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle satisfying the triggering condition (The terminal or the network device may work on several frequency ranges, Para. 34. In FIG. 3A, the network device 120 transmits 301, to the terminal device 110, a configuration of DRX cycle, Para. 54, FIG. 3A. The configuration may indicate at least one of the following: a length of DRX cycle, Para. 55, FIG. 3A. The terminal device 110 may determine a set of starting times for a set of DRX cycles based on the configuration, Para. 56).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Wang with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Wang provides a technique for messaging that configures parameters for DRX cycles, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit a base station to configure DRX states of terminals in relation to switching to a PS-active BWP.
In regard to Claim 17, Yi teaches the discontinuous reception cycle (a command indicating transition from a first power state (e.g., DRX off state) to a second power state (e.g., DRX active state), Para. 503, FIG. 38).
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach the triggering condition comprises at least one of a first duration between active periods of the discontinuous transmission cycle or a second duration between active periods of the discontinuous reception cycle.
Wang teaches the triggering condition comprises at least one of a first duration between active periods of the discontinuous transmission cycle or a second duration between active periods of the discontinuous reception cycle (The terminal or the network device may work on several frequency ranges, Para. 34. In FIG. 3A, the network device 120 transmits 301, to the terminal device 110, a configuration of DRX cycle, Para. 54, FIG. 3A. The configuration may indicate at least one of the following: a length of DRX cycle, a start offset for DRX cycle, and a slot offset for DRX cycle, Para. 55, FIG. 3A. The terminal device 110 may determine a set of starting times for a set of DRX cycles based on the configuration, Para. 56).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Wang with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Wang provides a technique for messaging that configures parameters for DRX cycles, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit a base station to configure DRX states of terminals in relation to switching to a PS-active BWP.
In regard to Claim 24, Yi teaches switching the active bandwidth part (FIG. 38 illustrates a diagram of switching to a PS-active BWP, Para. 503, FIG. 38).
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach the instructions are further executable by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: receive third control signaling indicating a triggering condition for switching the active bandwidth part, wherein switching the active bandwidth part is based at least in part on the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle satisfying the triggering condition.
Wang teaches the instructions are further executable by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: receive third control signaling indicating a triggering condition for switching the active bandwidth part, wherein switching the active bandwidth part is based at least in part on the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle satisfying the triggering condition (The terminal or the network device may work on several frequency ranges, Para. 34. In FIG. 3A, the network device 120 transmits 301, to the terminal device 110, a configuration of DRX cycle, Para. 54, FIG. 3A. The configuration may indicate at least one of the following: a length of DRX cycle, Para. 55, FIG. 3A. The terminal device 110 may determine a set of starting times for a set of DRX cycles based on the configuration, Para. 56).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Wang with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Wang provides a technique for messaging that configures parameters for DRX cycles, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit a base station to configure DRX states of terminals in relation to switching to a PS-active BWP.
In regard to Claim 25, Yi teaches the discontinuous reception cycle (a command indicating transition from a first power state (e.g., DRX off state) to a second power state (e.g., DRX active state), Para. 503, FIG. 38).
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach the triggering condition comprises at least one of a first duration between active periods of the discontinuous transmission cycle or a second duration between active periods of the discontinuous reception cycle.
Wang teaches the triggering condition comprises at least one of a first duration between active periods of the discontinuous transmission cycle or a second duration between active periods of the discontinuous reception cycle (The terminal or the network device may work on several frequency ranges, Para. 34. In FIG. 3A, the network device 120 transmits 301, to the terminal device 110, a configuration of DRX cycle, Para. 54, FIG. 3A. The configuration may indicate at least one of the following: a length of DRX cycle, a start offset for DRX cycle, and a slot offset for DRX cycle, Para. 55, FIG. 3A. The terminal device 110 may determine a set of starting times for a set of DRX cycles based on the configuration, Para. 56).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Wang with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Wang provides a technique for messaging that configures parameters for DRX cycles, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit a base station to configure DRX states of terminals in relation to switching to a PS-active BWP.
Claim(s) 6-7, 18-19 and 26-27 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yi in view of Mitra, and further in view of Murray (Pub. No.: US 20220191793 A1), hereafter referred to as Murray.
In regard to Claim 6, as presented in the rejection of Claim 1, Yi in view of Mitra teaches the active bandwidth part.
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach switching the active bandwidth part from the second bandwidth part to the first bandwidth part based at least in part on the network entity entering an active period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle in accordance with the second control signaling, wherein switching the active bandwidth part from the first bandwidth part to the second bandwidth part based at least in part on the network entity entering the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle comprises switching the active bandwidth part from the first bandwidth part to the second bandwidth part based at least in part on the network entity entering an inactive period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle in accordance with the second control signaling.
Murray teaches switching the active bandwidth part from the second bandwidth part to the first bandwidth part based at least in part on the network entity entering an active period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle in accordance with the second control signaling, wherein switching the active bandwidth part from the first bandwidth part to the second bandwidth part based at least in part on the network entity entering the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle comprises switching the active bandwidth part from the first bandwidth part to the second bandwidth part based at least in part on the network entity entering an inactive period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle in accordance with the second control signaling (a BWP may be configured per DRX state, thereby allowing a suitable BWP to be activated implicitly when the UE transitions to a different DRX state, Para. 207, FIG. 7. The DRX cycle may be defined to include a plurality of DRX states and a BWP may be associated with each DRX state. In one example, 3 DRX states are defined where State 1 corresponds to the time when the UE monitors the WUS; State 2 corresponds to the Active Time during the on duration and State 3 corresponds to the Active Time after the on duration. BWP1, BWP2 and BWP3 are associated with DRX State 1, DRX State 2 and DRX State 3 respectively, Para. 337, FIG. 7).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Murray with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Murray provides a technique for configuring respective bandwidth parts in relation to different times of DRX cycles, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit appropriate changes of utilized bandwidth parts based on the different times of DRX cycles are being entered by a device.
In regard to Claim 7, as presented in the rejection of Claim 1, Yi in view of Mitra teaches the first control signaling.
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach receiving, with the first control signaling or the second control signaling, an indication that the second bandwidth part is associated with the discontinuous transmission cycle and that a third bandwidth part of the plurality of bandwidth parts is associated with the discontinuous reception cycle; monitoring for downlink signaling from the network entity in the second bandwidth part during the discontinuous transmission cycle; and transmitting uplink signaling to the network entity in the third bandwidth part during the discontinuous reception cycle.
Murray teaches receiving, with the first control signaling or the second control signaling, an indication that the second bandwidth part is associated with the discontinuous transmission cycle and that a third bandwidth part of the plurality of bandwidth parts is associated with the discontinuous reception cycle; monitoring for downlink signaling from the network entity in the second bandwidth part during the discontinuous transmission cycle; and transmitting uplink signaling to the network entity in the third bandwidth part during the discontinuous reception cycle (the CORESET for the WUS monitoring occasion is shown to be in the active BWP, Para. 205, FIG. 5. FIG. 7 shows an example where the time that corresponds to the WUS monitoring occasion may be defined as the first DRX state; the time that corresponds to the on-duration is defined as the second DRX state; and the time that corresponds to the portion of the active-time following the on-duration; i.e. where the drx-onDurationTimer has expired, is defined as the third DRX state, Para. 207, FIG. 7. 3 DRX states are defined where State 1 corresponds to the time when the UE monitors the WUS; State 2 corresponds to the Active Time during the on duration and State 3 corresponds to the Active Time after the on duration. BWP1, BWP2 and BWP3 are associated with DRX State 1, DRX State 2 and DRX State 3 respectively, Para. 337, FIG. 7).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Murray with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Murray provides a technique for configuring respective bandwidth parts in relation to different times of DRX cycles, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit appropriate changes of utilized bandwidth parts based on the different times of DRX cycles are being entered by a device.
In regard to Claim 18, as presented in the rejection of Claim 13, Yi in view of Mitra teaches the active bandwidth part.
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach switching the active bandwidth part from the second bandwidth part to the first bandwidth part based at least in part on the network entity entering an active period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle in accordance with the second control signaling, wherein switching the active bandwidth part from the first bandwidth part to the second bandwidth part based at least in part on the network entity entering the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle comprises switching the active bandwidth part from the first bandwidth part to the second bandwidth part based at least in part on the network entity entering an inactive period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle in accordance with the second control signaling.
Murray teaches switching the active bandwidth part from the second bandwidth part to the first bandwidth part based at least in part on the network entity entering an active period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle in accordance with the second control signaling, wherein switching the active bandwidth part from the first bandwidth part to the second bandwidth part based at least in part on the network entity entering the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle comprises switching the active bandwidth part from the first bandwidth part to the second bandwidth part based at least in part on the network entity entering an inactive period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle in accordance with the second control signaling (a BWP may be configured per DRX state, thereby allowing a suitable BWP to be activated implicitly when the UE transitions to a different DRX state, Para. 207, FIG. 7. The DRX cycle may be defined to include a plurality of DRX states and a BWP may be associated with each DRX state. In one example, 3 DRX states are defined where State 1 corresponds to the time when the UE monitors the WUS; State 2 corresponds to the Active Time during the on duration and State 3 corresponds to the Active Time after the on duration. BWP1, BWP2 and BWP3 are associated with DRX State 1, DRX State 2 and DRX State 3 respectively, Para. 337, FIG. 7).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Murray with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Murray provides a technique for configuring respective bandwidth parts in relation to different times of DRX cycles, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit appropriate changes of utilized bandwidth parts based on the different times of DRX cycles are being entered by a device.
In regard to Claim 19, as presented in the rejection of Claim 13, Yi in view of Mitra teaches the first control signaling.
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach transmitting, with the first control signaling or the second control signaling, an indication that the second bandwidth part is associated with the discontinuous transmission cycle and that a third bandwidth part of the plurality of bandwidth parts is associated with the discontinuous reception cycle; transmitting downlink signaling to the UE in the second bandwidth part during the discontinuous transmission cycle; and receiving uplink signaling from the UE in the third bandwidth part during the discontinuous reception cycle.
Murray teaches transmitting, with the first control signaling or the second control signaling, an indication that the second bandwidth part is associated with the discontinuous transmission cycle and that a third bandwidth part of the plurality of bandwidth parts is associated with the discontinuous reception cycle; transmitting downlink signaling to the UE in the second bandwidth part during the discontinuous transmission cycle; and receiving uplink signaling from the UE in the third bandwidth part during the discontinuous reception cycle (the CORESET for the WUS monitoring occasion is shown to be in the active BWP, Para. 205, FIG. 5. FIG. 7 shows an example where the time that corresponds to the WUS monitoring occasion may be defined as the first DRX state; the time that corresponds to the on-duration is defined as the second DRX state; and the time that corresponds to the portion of the active-time following the on-duration; i.e. where the drx-onDurationTimer has expired, is defined as the third DRX state, Para. 207, FIG. 7. 3 DRX states are defined where State 1 corresponds to the time when the UE monitors the WUS; State 2 corresponds to the Active Time during the on duration and State 3 corresponds to the Active Time after the on duration. BWP1, BWP2 and BWP3 are associated with DRX State 1, DRX State 2 and DRX State 3 respectively, Para. 337, FIG. 7).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Murray with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Murray provides a technique for configuring respective bandwidth parts in relation to different times of DRX cycles, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit appropriate changes of utilized bandwidth parts based on the different times of DRX cycles are being entered by a device.
In regard to Claim 26, as presented in the rejection of Claim 21, Yi in view of Mitra teaches the active bandwidth part.
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach the instructions are further executable by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: switch the active bandwidth part from the second bandwidth part to the first bandwidth part based at least in part on the network entity entering an active period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle in accordance with the second control signaling, wherein switching the active bandwidth part from the first bandwidth part to the second bandwidth part based at least in part on the network entity entering the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle comprises switching the active bandwidth part from the first bandwidth part to the second bandwidth part based at least in part on the network entity entering an inactive period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle in accordance with the second control signaling.
Murray teaches the instructions are further executable by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: switch the active bandwidth part from the second bandwidth part to the first bandwidth part based at least in part on the network entity entering an active period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle in accordance with the second control signaling, wherein switching the active bandwidth part from the first bandwidth part to the second bandwidth part based at least in part on the network entity entering the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle comprises switching the active bandwidth part from the first bandwidth part to the second bandwidth part based at least in part on the network entity entering an inactive period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle in accordance with the second control signaling (a BWP may be configured per DRX state, thereby allowing a suitable BWP to be activated implicitly when the UE transitions to a different DRX state, Para. 207, FIG. 7. The DRX cycle may be defined to include a plurality of DRX states and a BWP may be associated with each DRX state. In one example, 3 DRX states are defined where State 1 corresponds to the time when the UE monitors the WUS; State 2 corresponds to the Active Time during the on duration and State 3 corresponds to the Active Time after the on duration. BWP1, BWP2 and BWP3 are associated with DRX State 1, DRX State 2 and DRX State 3 respectively, Para. 337, FIG. 7).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Murray with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Murray provides a technique for configuring respective bandwidth parts in relation to different times of DRX cycles, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit appropriate changes of utilized bandwidth parts based on the different times of DRX cycles are being entered by a device.
In regard to Claim 27, as presented in the rejection of Claim 21, Yi in view of Mitra teaches the first control signaling.
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach the instructions are further executable by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: receive, with the first control signaling or the second control signaling, an indication that the second bandwidth part is associated with the discontinuous transmission cycle and that a third bandwidth part of the plurality of bandwidth parts is associated with the discontinuous reception cycle; monitor for downlink signaling from the network entity in the second bandwidth part during the discontinuous transmission cycle; and transmit uplink signaling to the network entity in the third bandwidth part during the discontinuous reception cycle.
Murray teaches the instructions are further executable by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: receive, with the first control signaling or the second control signaling, an indication that the second bandwidth part is associated with the discontinuous transmission cycle and that a third bandwidth part of the plurality of bandwidth parts is associated with the discontinuous reception cycle; monitor for downlink signaling from the network entity in the second bandwidth part during the discontinuous transmission cycle; and transmit uplink signaling to the network entity in the third bandwidth part during the discontinuous reception cycle (the CORESET for the WUS monitoring occasion is shown to be in the active BWP, Para. 205, FIG. 5. FIG. 7 shows an example where the time that corresponds to the WUS monitoring occasion may be defined as the first DRX state; the time that corresponds to the on-duration is defined as the second DRX state; and the time that corresponds to the portion of the active-time following the on-duration; i.e. where the drx-onDurationTimer has expired, is defined as the third DRX state, Para. 207, FIG. 7. 3 DRX states are defined where State 1 corresponds to the time when the UE monitors the WUS; State 2 corresponds to the Active Time during the on duration and State 3 corresponds to the Active Time after the on duration. BWP1, BWP2 and BWP3 are associated with DRX State 1, DRX State 2 and DRX State 3 respectively, Para. 337, FIG. 7).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Murray with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Murray provides a technique for configuring respective bandwidth parts in relation to different times of DRX cycles, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit appropriate changes of utilized bandwidth parts based on the different times of DRX cycles are being entered by a device.
Claim(s) 8-12, 20 and 28-29 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yi in view of Mitra, and further in view of Lai et al. (Pub. No.: US 20250008431 A1), hereafter referred to as Lai.
In regard to Claim 8, as presented in the rejection of Claim 1, Yi in view of Mitra teaches the active bandwidth part.
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach switching the active bandwidth part further comprises: switching the active bandwidth part based at least in part on an inactivity timer satisfying a threshold.
Lai teaches switching the active bandwidth part further comprises: switching the active bandwidth part based at least in part on an inactivity timer satisfying a threshold ((DRX) active time: the total duration that the UE monitors PDCCH. This includes the “on-duration” of the DRX cycle, the time UE is performing continuous reception while the inactivity timer has not expired, Para. 76, FIG. 1. The UE may monitor a PDCCH on an active BWP. The UE may use a BWP inactivity timer to switch the active BWP to the default one. The BWP inactivity timer may be restarted upon a successful PDCCH decoding, and the UE may switch to the default BWP when the BWP inactivity timer expires, Para. 77, FIG. 1).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Lai with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Lai provides a technique for utilizing a BWP inactivity timer with respect to a DRX cycle for monitoring downlink channels, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit control utilization of bandwidth parts through an inactivity timer to ensure optimal usage of bandwidth parts by controlling durations of inactivity.
In regard to Claim 9, as presented in the rejection of Claim 1, Yi in view of Mitra teaches the discontinuous reception cycle.
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach running the inactivity timer during an active period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle; and pausing the inactivity timer during an inactive period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle.
Lai teaches running the inactivity timer during an active period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle; and pausing the inactivity timer during an inactive period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle ((DRX) active time: the total duration that the UE monitors PDCCH. This includes the “on-duration” of the DRX cycle, the time UE is performing continuous reception while the inactivity timer has not expired, Para. 76, FIG. 1. The UE may monitor a PDCCH on an active BWP. The UE may use a BWP inactivity timer to switch the active BWP to the default one. The BWP inactivity timer may be restarted upon a successful PDCCH decoding, and the UE may switch to the default BWP when the BWP inactivity timer expires, Para. 77, FIG. 1).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Lai with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Lai provides a technique for utilizing a BWP inactivity timer with respect to a DRX cycle for monitoring downlink channels, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit control utilization of bandwidth parts through an inactivity timer to ensure optimal usage of bandwidth parts by controlling durations of inactivity.
In regard to Claim 10, as presented in the rejection of Claim 1, Yi in view of Mitra teaches the method.
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach pausing the inactivity timer comprises: pausing the inactivity timer during the inactive period based at least in part on the inactive period satisfying a threshold duration.
Lai teaches pausing the inactivity timer comprises: pausing the inactivity timer during the inactive period based at least in part on the inactive period satisfying a threshold duration (The UE may use a BWP inactivity timer to switch the active BWP to the default one. The BWP inactivity timer may be restarted upon a successful PDCCH decoding, Para. 77, FIG. 1).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Lai with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Lai provides a technique for utilizing a BWP inactivity timer with respect to a DRX cycle for monitoring downlink channels, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit control utilization of bandwidth parts through an inactivity timer to ensure optimal usage of bandwidth parts by controlling durations of inactivity.
In regard to Claim 11, as presented in the rejection of Claim 1, Yi in view of Mitra teaches the discontinuous reception cycle.
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach starting the inactivity timer a period of time after the network entity enters the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle.
Lai teaches starting the inactivity timer a period of time after the network entity enters the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle ((DRX) active time: the total duration that the UE monitors PDCCH. This includes the “on-duration” of the DRX cycle, the time UE is performing continuous reception while the inactivity timer has not expired, Para. 76, FIG. 1. The UE may monitor a PDCCH on an active BWP. The UE may use a BWP inactivity timer to switch the active BWP to the default one. The BWP inactivity timer may be restarted upon a successful PDCCH decoding, and the UE may switch to the default BWP when the BWP inactivity timer expires, Para. 77, FIG. 1).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Lai with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Lai provides a technique for utilizing a BWP inactivity timer with respect to a DRX cycle for monitoring downlink channels, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit control utilization of bandwidth parts through an inactivity timer to ensure optimal usage of bandwidth parts by controlling durations of inactivity.
In regard to Claim 12, as presented in the rejection of Claim 1, Yi in view of Mitra teaches the discontinuous reception cycle.
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach receiving third control signaling indicating the period of time.
Lai teaches receiving third control signaling indicating the period of time (the UE may be indicated, when configured accordingly, whether it is required to monitor the PDCCH during the next occurrence of the on-duration by a DCP monitored on the active BWP. The UE may only be configured to monitor the DCP when connected mode DRX is configured, and at occasion(s) that have a configured offset before the on-duration. More than one monitoring occasion may be configured before the on-duration, Para. 78, FIG. 1).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Lai with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Lai provides a technique for utilizing a BWP inactivity timer with respect to a DRX cycle for monitoring downlink channels, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit control utilization of bandwidth parts through an inactivity timer to ensure optimal usage of bandwidth parts by controlling durations of inactivity.
In regard to Claim 20, as presented in the rejection of Claim 13, Yi in view of Mitra teaches the discontinuous reception cycle.
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach transmitting, to the UE, third control signaling indicating a period of time after the network entity enters the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle for initiation of an inactivity timer at the UE.
Lai teaches transmitting, to the UE, third control signaling indicating a period of time after the network entity enters the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle for initiation of an inactivity timer at the UE ((DRX) active time: the total duration that the UE monitors PDCCH. This includes the “on-duration” of the DRX cycle, the time UE is performing continuous reception while the inactivity timer has not expired, Para. 76, FIG. 1. The UE may be indicated, when configured accordingly, whether it is required to monitor the PDCCH during the next occurrence of the on-duration by a DCP monitored on the active BWP. The UE may only be configured to monitor the DCP when connected mode DRX is configured, and at occasion(s) that have a configured offset before the on-duration. More than one monitoring occasion may be configured before the on-duration, Para. 78, FIG. 1).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Lai with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Lai provides a technique for utilizing a BWP inactivity timer with respect to a DRX cycle for monitoring downlink channels, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit control utilization of bandwidth parts through an inactivity timer to ensure optimal usage of bandwidth parts by controlling durations of inactivity.
In regard to Claim 28, as presented in the rejection of Claim 21, Yi in view of Mitra teaches the active bandwidth part.
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach the instructions to switch the active bandwidth part are further executable by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: switch the active bandwidth part based at least in part on an inactivity timer satisfying a threshold.
Lai teaches the instructions to switch the active bandwidth part are further executable by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: switch the active bandwidth part based at least in part on an inactivity timer satisfying a threshold ((DRX) active time: the total duration that the UE monitors PDCCH. This includes the “on-duration” of the DRX cycle, the time UE is performing continuous reception while the inactivity timer has not expired, Para. 76, FIG. 1. The UE may monitor a PDCCH on an active BWP. The UE may use a BWP inactivity timer to switch the active BWP to the default one. The BWP inactivity timer may be restarted upon a successful PDCCH decoding, and the UE may switch to the default BWP when the BWP inactivity timer expires, Para. 77, FIG. 1).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Lai with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Lai provides a technique for utilizing a BWP inactivity timer with respect to a DRX cycle for monitoring downlink channels, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit control utilization of bandwidth parts through an inactivity timer to ensure optimal usage of bandwidth parts by controlling durations of inactivity.
In regard to Claim 29, as presented in the rejection of Claim 21, Yi in view of Mitra teaches the discontinuous reception cycle.
Yi in view of Mitra fails to teach the instructions are further executable by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: run the inactivity timer during an active period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle; and pause the inactivity timer during an inactive period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle.
Lai teaches the instructions are further executable by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: run the inactivity timer during an active period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle; and pause the inactivity timer during an inactive period of the discontinuous transmission cycle or the discontinuous reception cycle ((DRX) active time: the total duration that the UE monitors PDCCH. This includes the “on-duration” of the DRX cycle, the time UE is performing continuous reception while the inactivity timer has not expired, Para. 76, FIG. 1. The UE may monitor a PDCCH on an active BWP. The UE may use a BWP inactivity timer to switch the active BWP to the default one. The BWP inactivity timer may be restarted upon a successful PDCCH decoding, and the UE may switch to the default BWP when the BWP inactivity timer expires, Para. 77, FIG. 1).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Lai with the teachings of Yi in view of Mitra since Lai provides a technique for utilizing a BWP inactivity timer with respect to a DRX cycle for monitoring downlink channels, which can be introduced into the arrangement of Yi in view of Mitra to permit control utilization of bandwidth parts through an inactivity timer to ensure optimal usage of bandwidth parts by controlling durations of inactivity.
Response to Arguments
I. Arguments for the Claim Rejections under 35 USC § 102
Applicant's arguments filed 3/23/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Page 14 of the Remarks presents the argument that Therefore, for at least these reasons, amended independent claim 1 is allowable, including but not limited to over Yi. Amended independent claims 13, 21, and 30 are allowable for at least similar reasons. The limitations introduced by the amendment of Claims 1, 13, 21 and 30, which are not taught by Yi, are taught by Mitra et al. (Pub. No.: US 20210250808 A1).
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Cheng et al. (Pub. No.: US 20260032652 A1) teaches one or more first configuration parameters indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle and an inactive duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle, and wherein the one or more second configuration parameters indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous reception cycle and an inactive duration of the discontinuous reception cycle (At 1202, a UE, such as UE 106, may receive, from a base station, such as base station 102, an indication of resources for an UL WUS, Para. 159, FIG. 12. The indication may specify a first configuration of the periodic UL resources for a cell discontinuous reception cycle (DRX)/discontinuous transmission cycle (DTX) on duration and a second configuration of the periodic UL resources for a cell DRX/DTX off duration, Para. 160. The indication may specify an UL resource a number of slots before a start time of a cell DRX/DTX off duration, Para. 161).
Dutta et al. (Pub. No.: US 20210267008 A1) teaches one or more first configuration parameters indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle and an inactive duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle, and wherein the one or more second configuration parameters indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous reception cycle and an inactive duration of the discontinuous reception cycle (The DTX configuration 210 may indicate a pattern of one or more DTX cycles, which may include a timing offset (e.g., a slot offset, a frame offset), a periodicity of the one or more DTX cycles, active DTX durations, or inactive DTX durations, or any combination thereof, Para. 179, FIG. 2. the DRX configuration 215 may indicate a pattern of one or more DRX cycles, which may include a timing offset (e.g., a slot offset, a frame offset), a periodicity of the one or more DRX cycles, active DRX durations, or inactive DRX durations, or any combination thereof, Para. 181, FIG. 2).
Uchiyama (Pub. No.: US 20180324694 A1) teaches the one or more first configuration parameters (The DTX parameters may include a DTX cycle, for example. For example, 1 cycle is designated by a combination of the duration of the DTX window and the duration of another transmission stop state. Further, the DTX cycle may include a start timing (e.g., a frame number or the like) of 1 cycle, Para. 233) indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle (The DTX parameters may include an on duration. The on duration is information indicating the length of the DTX window, Para. 234) and an inactive duration of the discontinuous transmission cycle (Similarly, the DTX parameters may include an off duration that indicates the length of the duration of the transmission stop state, Para. 234), and wherein the one or more second configuration parameters (the DRX parameters may include a DRX cycle. For example, 1 cycle is designated by combining the duration of the DRX window and durations of other reception sleep states. Further, the DRX cycle may include a start timing of 1 cycle (e.g., a frame number or the like), Para. 189) indicate respective lengths of an active duration of the discontinuous reception cycle (The DRX parameters may include an on duration. The on duration is information that indicates the length of the DRX window, Para. 190) and an inactive duration of the discontinuous reception cycle (Similarly, the DRX parameters may include an off duration that indicates the length of the duration of a reception sleep state, Para. 190).
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JOSHUA Y SMITH whose telephone number is (571)270-1826. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday, 10:30am-7pm ET.
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, CHIRAG G SHAH can be reached at (571)272-3144. 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.
Joshua Smith
/J.S./
5-6-2026
/CHIRAG G SHAH/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2477
Prosecution Insights