Prosecution Insights
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Application No. 18/335,726

TWO STAGE MACHINE LEARNING BASED CHANNEL STATE FEEDBACK

Non-Final OA §102§103
Filed
Jun 15, 2023
Examiner
KIDANE, MEHERET WOLDEGEBREAL
Art Unit
2464
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Qualcomm Incorporated
OA Round
2 (Non-Final)
87%
Grant Probability
Favorable
2-3
OA Rounds
2y 10m
To Grant
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 87% — above average
87%
Career Allow Rate
13 granted / 15 resolved
+28.7% vs TC avg
Strong +20% interview lift
Without
With
+20.0%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 10m
Avg Prosecution
35 currently pending
Career history
50
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.8%
-39.2% vs TC avg
§103
63.2%
+23.2% vs TC avg
§102
34.7%
-5.3% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 15 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §103
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Response to Arguments Applicant’s arguments, see response, filed 11/11/2025, with respect to the rejections of claims 1 and 29 have been fully considered and are persuasive. The rejection of claims 1-15 and 29 has been withdrawn. Applicant’s arguments, see response, filed 11/11/2025, with respect to the rejection(s) of claim(s) 16 and 30 under 35 USC 103 have been fully considered and are persuasive. Therefore, the rejection has been withdrawn. However, upon further consideration, a new ground(s) of rejection is made in view of Zhang. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claim(s) 16 and 17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102 (a)(1) as being anticipated by Zhang et al. (US 2025/0183968). Regarding claim 16, Zhang teaches a network entity for wireless communications, comprising: one or more memories storing processor-executable code (Paragraphs [0039]-[0040] describes specific examples of network entities used in wireless communications); and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories and individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the network entity to (Paragraphs [0332]; [0335]; [0337] describes that the memory stores “computer readable program” (processor-executable code)): transmit control signaling indicating a channel state feedback reporting configuration associated with a compressed non-Discrete Fourier Transform (non-DFT) codebook, a compressed set of singular vectors, or both (Paragraphs [0007]-[0008]; [0209] describes that the network device sends signaling that configures how the terminal should report channel state information. Paragraphs [0095]-[0103]; [0135]-[0138]; [0144] describes compressing singular vectors by selecting AI/ML model according to the number of feedback bits); and receive a channel state feedback message comprising the compressed non- DFT codebook, the compressed set of singular vectors, or both, based at least in part on the channel state feedback reporting configuration (Paragraphs [0091]-[0092]; [0210]; [0213]; [0144] describes the network device has received the compressed singular vectors. And the terminal generates feedback according to configuration). Regarding claim 17, Zhang teaches wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the network entity to: receive a user equipment (UE) capability message indicating that a machine learning feedback mode is supported at the UE (Paragraphs [0087]; [0197]; [0271] describes UE sends indication information about AI/ML model support or capability message and networks configuration varies based on available AI/MLmodels ), wherein to transmit the control signaling indicating the reporting configuration associated with the compressed non-DFT codebook, the compressed set of singular vectors, or both, is based at least in part on the UE capability message (Paragraphs [0076]; [0234]; [0306] describes the control signaling is based on the UE capability message which informed the network that models are available at the UE). 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 and 23-27 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Zhang in view of Lee et al. (US 2023/0056240; hereinafter Lee). Regarding claim 18, Zhang doesn’t teach wherein, to receive the compressed non-DFT codebook, the compressed set of singular vectors, or both, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the network entity to: jointly receive the compressed non-DFT codebook and the compressed set of singular vectors based at least in part on the reporting configuration. In analogous art Lee teaches wherein, to receive the compressed non-DFT codebook, the compressed set of singular vectors, or both, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the network entity to: jointly receive the compressed non-DFT codebook and the compressed set of singular vectors based at least in part on the reporting configuration (Paragraph [0138] teaches joint transmission because it describes transmitting both the codebook information (Phase and amplitude codebooks) and the singular vectors together as part of the same CSI feedback with combined overhead calculations). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Zhang to incorporate the teachings of Lee jointly receive the compressed non-DFT codebook and singular vectors to provide high resolution CSI feedback at a reduced feedback overhead (Lee, Paragraph [0115]), Regarding claim 23, Zhang in view of Lee, Lee teaches wherein, to transmit control signaling, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the network entity to: transmit a radio resource control message indicating the reporting configuration associated with the compressed non-DFT codebook, the compressed set of singular vectors, or both (Fig. 19 step 1902 shows configuration information reception constitutes RRC-type control signaling. Paragraph [0138] teaches reporting configuration associated with the compressed non-DFT codebook, the compressed set of singular vectors). Regarding claim 24, Zhang in view of Lee, Lee teaches wherein, to transmit control signaling, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the network entity to: transmit a medium access control-control element indicating the reporting configuration associated with the compressed non-DFT codebook, the compressed set of singular vectors, or both (Fig. 19 step 1902 shows configuration information reception constitutes medium access control. Paragraph [0138] teaches reporting configuration associated with the compressed non-DFT codebook, the compressed set of singular vectors). Regarding claim 25, Zhang in view of Lee, Lee teaches wherein, to transmit control signaling, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the network entity to: transmit downlink control information indicating the reporting configuration associated with the compressed non-DFT codebook, the compressed set of singular vectors, or both (Paragraph [0078] and Fig. 19 step 1902 shows configuration information reception constitutes downlink control information. Paragraph [0138] teaches reporting configuration associated with the compressed non-DFT codebook, the compressed set of singular vectors). Regarding claim 26, Zhang in view of Lee, Lee teaches wherein the compressed non-DFT codebook corresponds to a first quantity of bits, and wherein the compressed set of singular vectors correspond to a second quantity of bits different than the first quantity of bits (Paragraph [0138] teaches different bit quantities- codebook overhead of “D(N+K-(D-1))(np+na)” bits versus singular vector overhead of “Dna” bits, showing different quantities for codebooks versus singular vectors). Regarding claim 27, Zhang in view of Lee, Lee teaches wherein the first quantity of bits is greater than the second quantity of bits (Paragraph [0138] teaches (N+K-(D-1))(np+na)> na (because N+k-(D-1)> 1 and np+na), the codebook requires more bits than singular vectors). Claim(s) 19-22, 28 and 30 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Zhang in view of Lee in further view of Saber et al. (US 2023/0412230; hereinafter Saber). Regarding claim 19, Zhang in view of Lee, Lee teaches to receive the compressed non-DFT codebook, the compressed set of singular vectors, or both, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the network entity to (Fig. 3 describes UE apparatus with processors, memory, and programing/code execution capabilities for wireless communications): Zhang in view of Lee doesn’t teach separately receive the compressed non-DFT codebook and the compressed set of singular vectors based at least in part on the reporting configuration. In analogous art Saber teaches separately receive the compressed non-DFT codebook and the compressed set of singular vectors based at least in part on the reporting configuration (Paragraph [0206] teaches separate transmission capability, the UE can be configured to report different components separately. It can report “only the singular values” separately from the other CSI information). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Zhang and Lee to incorporate the teachings of Saber’s separate transmission capability to reduce communication overhead (Saber, Paragraph [0052]). Regarding claim 20, Zhang in view of Lee, Lee teaches wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the network entity to (Fig. 3 describes UE apparatus with processors, memory, and programing/code execution capabilities for wireless communications): Saber teaches determine a first periodicity (Paragraph [0328] describes encoders process codebook information, so NAIML report symbols represents the first periodicity for reporting) Lee teaches associated with reporting the compressed non-DFT codebook based at least in part on the reporting configuration (Paragraph [0126] describes the compressed non-DFT codebook (3-bit PSK phase and amplitude codebooks) and compressed set of singular vectors and singular values); Saber teaches and determine a second periodicity (Paragraph [0327] teaches channel estimation models process singular vector information, so NAIML, update symbols represent the second periodicity) Lee, teaches associated with reporting the compressed set of singular vectors based at least in part on the reporting configuration (Paragraph [0328] describes singular vector transmission), Saber teaches wherein the reporting configuration indicates the first periodicity (Paragraph [0328] describes encoders process codebook information, so NAIML report symbols represents the first periodicity for reporting) Lee teaches associated with reporting the compressed non-DFT codebook (Paragraph [0126] describes transmission of compressed non-DFT codebooks), Saber teaches the second periodicity (Paragraph [0327] teaches channel estimation models process singular vector information, so NAIML, update symbols represent the second periodicity) Lee teaches, associated with reporting the compressed set of singular vectors, or both (Paragraph [0328] describes singular vector transmission). Regarding claim 22, Zhang in view of Lee and Saber, Lee teaches wherein the first periodicity associated with reporting the compressed non-DFT codebook is less than the second periodicity associated with reporting the compressed set of singular vectors (Paragraph [0138] describes higher overhead typically correlates with more frequent updates needed for accuracy, as codebooks contain more detailed channel characterization information requiring frequent refresh). Regarding claim 28, Zhang in view of Lee and Saber, Lee teaches wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the network entity to: receive first control signaling indicating a request to adjust a periodicity associated with reporting the compressed non-DFT codebook, the compressed set of singular vectors, or both, based at least in part on a change in a parameter associated with a user equipment (UE) (Paragraph [0222] teaches the UE detecting and processing changes in parameters (“UE location, speed, trajectory) over time (from t1 to t2) the phrase “based on the previous measurements and other information” shows the UE is monitoring parameter changes that affect channel conditions, which would necessitate adjusting reporting periodicity for optimal performance. Paragraph [0126] teaches that the periodicity adjustment request relates to compressed set of singular vectors (quantized ud and vd)); Saber teaches and transmit second control signaling indicating an adjusted periodicity (Paragraphs [0326]-[0328] describes receiving specific periodicity parameters that define adjusted timing for model updates and reporting. The number of symbols provides the precise adjusted periodicity value that the UE receives) Lee teaches associated with reporting the compressed non-DFT codebook, the compressed set of singular vectors, or both, based at least in part on the first control signaling, wherein to receive the compressed non-DFT codebook, the compressed set of singular vectors, or both, is based at least in part on the adjusted periodicity (Paragraph [0138]; [0126] teaches transmission of compressed non-DFT codebooks and singular vectors according to adjusted periodicity). Claim 21 is rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 20 respectively. Claim 30 is rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 16 respectively. Allowable Subject Matter Claims 1-15, and 29 are allowed. The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: Regrading claim 1, Lee et al. (US 2023/0056240; hereinafter Lee) in view of Saber et al. (US 2023/0412230; hereinafter Saber) fails to disclose “… select a non-Discrete Fourier Transform (non-DFT) codebook of a set of non-DFT codebooks associated with a channel state feedback message; determine a set of singular vectors associated with the non-DF T codebook based at least in part on a first machine learning model, wherein the set of singular vectors corresponds to a subspace associated with the non-DFT codebook;…” Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee. Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.” Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MEHERET WOLDEGEBREAL KIDANE whose telephone number is (571)270-3642. The examiner can normally be reached M-F8:30-5. 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, Ricky Ngo can be reached at 571-272-3139. 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. /Chandrahas B Patel/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2464 /M.W.K./Examiner, Art Unit 2464
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Prosecution Timeline

Jun 15, 2023
Application Filed
Aug 05, 2025
Non-Final Rejection — §102, §103
Nov 11, 2025
Response Filed
Feb 13, 2026
Non-Final Rejection — §102, §103 (current)

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

2-3
Expected OA Rounds
87%
Grant Probability
99%
With Interview (+20.0%)
2y 10m
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 15 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allow rate.

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