DETAILED ACTION
This Office Action is in response to the Applicants' communication filed on June 4, 2026. Claims 1, 6, 7, 9 and 10 are amended. Claims 2 and 8 are cancelled. Claims 1, 3-7 and 9-11 are currently pending and have been examined.
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/remarks made in an amendment filed June 4, 2026, have been fully considered. In view of the amended claims 1, 6, 7, 9 and 10 and upon further consideration, a new ground(s) of rejection, necessitated by the amendments is made in view of different interpretation of the previously applied references and new prior art as presented in this Office action. Applicant’s arguments with respect to claim(s) 1, 3-7 and 9-11 are therefore moot.
Claim Objections
Claim 9 is objected to because of the following informalities: “The method of Claim [[8]]9 further comprising” should be “The method of Claim [[8]]7 further comprising”. Claim 8 is cancelled so claim 9 depends on claim 7. Appropriate correction is required.
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 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.
Claim(s) 1, 6 and 7 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by US 5187486 A (Kolzer) in view of EP 2173010 A1 (ERMUTLU et al.) (hereinafter ERMUTLU).
In re claims 1 and 7, Kolzer discloses an apparatus (Fig. 5, “signal processor 46”, Col 4, lines 24-28, “In a computing unit 46', this signal 50 is subjected to an integral transformation to obtain the aperture illumination of the antenna. The output of the computing device 46' is fed to a controller 51”) and a method for active calibration and/or linearization of an antenna array (Fig. 1, Col 1, lines 24-27, “To be able to satisfy these requirements, the antennas used must be very well calibrated. This applies to both azimuth antennas (AZ antennas) and elevation antennas (EL antennas)”. Col 1, lines 60-63, “It is the object of the invention to provide a method of and an apparatus for calibrating phased-array antennas in a reproducible manner and with an accuracy required to meet safety standards”) comprising: a set of near-field (NF) probes located proximate the antenna array to receive analog antenna array signals transmitted by the antenna array, each NF probe of the set of NF probes providing an independent output based on the received analog antenna array signals; a post-processing component for processing the independent outputs to generate digital equivalents; and a controller (Fig. 5, “controller 51”) for calculating at least one of calibration signals or linearization signals based on digital equivalents (Col 3, lines 58-67, “The voltage U developed at the output of the low-pass filter 31 is digitized by means of a sample-and-hold circuit 44 and an analog-to-digital converter 45”. Col 4, lines 18-31, “FIG. 5 shows in more detail how the phase-array antenna of FIG. 4 is calibrated. The phase-array antenna with its radiating elements 43 is shown in FIG. 5 as a block 43. The phase shifters appear as a block 42. A signal 50 appearing at the output of the integral monitor waveguide 40 corresponds to the far field of the antenna. The output of the computing device 46 is fed to a controller 51. Via a line 52 from storage means 56, the desired value for the phase setting of the phase shifter 42 is fed to a summing point 53” (computing unit calculates calibration signals based on digitized equivalents)) and for controlling the antenna array based on the at least one of the calibration signals or linearization signals (Col 4, lines 32-59, “The output signal from the controller 51, which is fed to the summing point 53 via a line 54, is subtracted from this desired value. The phase shifter is thus supplied with the difference between the desired value on line 52 and the output signal from the controller 51 on line 54 (showing calibration). The computing device 46', the controller 51, the summing point 53, and the line carrying the desired values 52 may be implemented in software in a signal processor. All the steps necessary to carry out the method may be performed, for example, in the signal processor 46 of FIG. 4. From FIG. 5 it is apparent that an automatic control system as shown in FIG. 5 is associated with each radiating element 43 of the phased-array antenna. To calibrate the antenna, in a first step, a comparison between the desired value and the actual value of the aperture illumination is performed. At the same time, correction values are generated by the controller. If complete agreement between desired and actual values should not be attainable with these correction values, the control parameters are changed (adaptive control system) and the process just described is repeated. The process is repeated until the desired and actual values of the aperture illumination differ only within prescribed tolerance bands” (controlling the antenna array based on the calibration signals)).
Kolzer does not explicitly disclose a set of near-field (NF) probes located proximate the antenna array to receive analog antenna array signals transmitted by the antenna array, each NF probe of the set of NF probes providing an independent output based on the received analog antenna array signals; a post-processing component for processing the independent outputs to generate digital equivalents.
ERMUTLU discloses a set of near-field (NF) probes located proximate the antenna array to receive analog antenna array signals transmitted by the antenna array ([0010], “The present application provides at least two-phase probes that can be installed in the near field of an antenna array which has a plurality of antenna elements. The phase probes are assigned to pairs of the antenna elements for measuring signal phases which occur at the antenna elements. The pairs of the antenna elements are arranged essentially symmetrical about the phase probes”. [0067], “The CN provides circuit-switched transmission of voice signals and packet-switched transmission of data packet signals”. [0068], “The signals can be in a UL (up-link) transfer or in a DL (down-link) transfer. In the UL transfer, the signals are transferred from the UE to the single-column antenna array 10 in a RX (receiver) band. The RX band is also called UL band. In the DL transfer, the signals are transmitted from the single-column antenna array 10 to the UE in a TX (transmitter) band. The TX band is also called a DL band”. [0166], “A first horizontal pair 51, which comprises the probe 62 and the probe 63, is placed in between the antenna sub-array 56 and the antenna sub-array 57. The antenna sub-array 56 and the antenna sub-array 57 are symmetrical about the first horizontal pair 51...” (shows proximity to the antenna arrays)), each NF probe of the set of NF probes providing an independent output based on the received analog antenna array signals ([0100], “The first probe 11 then receives the calibration radiations, converts the calibration radiations to received probe RF signals, and sends the received probe RF signals to the first calibration radio”. [0020], “The antenna elements convert the sent RF signals to electromagnetic radiation. The phase probes receive the radiated signals and provide them to the receiver (independent outputs from the probes). The receiver then sends the transmitted signals (outputs) to the phase measurement device for measuring signal phases. The receiver may also convert a format of the signals according to the needs of the phase measurement device”); a post-processing component for processing the independent outputs to generate digital equivalents ([0100], “The first calibration radio receives the probe RF signals, changes a format of the probe RF signals to a digital base-band format, and sends the base-band format probe signals to the common module”. [0103], “After this, the control module 13 determines signal phases of the antenna sub-arrays 16 and 17 with respect to the reference signal using digital techniques”. [0106], “Afterwards, an ERPD17 18 (electromagnetic radiation signal phase of the antenna sub-array 17 with respect to electromagnetic radiation signal of the antenna sub-array 18) is derived using measurements from the second probe 12”. [0122], “The second calibration radio changes a format of the probe RF signals to the digital base-band format and sends the base-band format probe signals to the common module 13” (generate digital equivalents)).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Kolzer with ERMUTLU to provide a system and method for calibrating an antenna array in wireless communication system based on digital equivalents of the analog antenna array signals and controls the antenna array based on the calibration signals. The advantage of doing so is to mitigate linear distortions within the antenna array and testing the signal paths in a reduced time without changing physical position of the probes improving further the accuracy and reliability of phase measurements.
In re claim 6, the combination discloses the apparatus of Claim 1, wherein Kolzer discloses wherein the post-processing component comprises: at least one of combiners, dividers, switches, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) or couplers (Fig. 3, Col 3, lines 44-50, “As in FIG. 3, a mixer 30, a low-pass filter 31, a radio-frequency-signal source 33, and a coupler 34 are provided”. Col 3, lines 67-68, “A time- and value-discrete signal is thus available at the output of the analog-to-digital converter 45”).
Claims 3 and 9 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 5187486 A (Kolzer) in view of EP 2173010 A1 (ERMUTLU et al.) (hereinafter ERMUTLU) and in further view of CN 109167622 A (WU et al.) (hereinafter WU).
In re claims 3 and 9, the combination of Kolzer and ERMUTLU discloses the apparatus of Claim 1 and the method of Claim 7, but does not explicitly disclose wherein the method further comprising: an analog precoder for receiving calibration signals to control the antenna array.
WU discloses wherein the method further comprising: an analog precoder for receiving calibration signals to control the antenna array (Page 2, lines 19-24, “For the first antenna sub-array, firstly using digital precoder to control amplitude, then using analogue precoder to adjust the phase. After the optimization the first antenna sub array can achieve the capacity, using successive interference cancellation to eliminate the first antenna sub-array contribution to the total capacity, then optimizing the capacity of the second antenna sub-array, repeating this process until the last of the antenna sub-array, the capacity of the whole system solving optimization problem, namely finishing the design and solving the mixed precoder”).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Kolzer and ERMUTLU with WU to provide a system and method for calibrating an antenna array in wireless communication system based on digital equivalents of the analog antenna array signals and controls the antenna array based on the calibration signals. The advantage of doing so is to mitigate linear distortions within the antenna array and testing the signal paths in a reduced time without changing physical position of the probes.
Claims 4, 5 and 10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 5187486 A (Kolzer) in view of EP 2173010 A1 (ERMUTLU et al.) (hereinafter ERMUTLU) in view of CN 109167622 A (WU et al.) (hereinafter WU) and in further view of KR 20100090378 A (Hong).
In re claim 4, the combination discloses the apparatus of Claim 3, but does not explicitly disclose the method further comprising: a digital predistortion module for receiving the linearization signals and for generating at least one predistortion signal based on the linearization signals; wherein WU discloses wherein the predistortion signal is transmitted to the analog precoder to update the calibration signals (Page 2, lines 19-24, “For the first antenna sub-array, firstly using digital precoder to control amplitude, then using analogue precoder to adjust the phase. After the optimization the first antenna sub array can achieve the capacity, using successive interference cancellation to eliminate the first antenna sub-array contribution to the total capacity, then optimizing the capacity of the second antenna sub-array, repeating this process until the last of the antenna sub-array, the capacity of the whole system solving optimization problem, namely finishing the design and solving the mixed precoder”).
Hong discloses a digital predistortion module for receiving the linearization signals and for generating at least one predistortion signal based on the linearization signals (Fig. 2: 130, Page 5, lines 26-28, “The digital predistortion linearization unit receives a signal output from the first A / D converter and a signal fed back from the amplifier through a feedback processor to remove the intermodulation signal generated by the nonlinear characteristics of the amplifier”. Page 2, lines 29-38, “a digital linearization apparatus... a D / A converter for converting a digital signal processed by the digital predistortion linearizer into an IF signal, and an IF output from the D / A converter It includes a frequency up-converter for converting the signal into a microwave frequency and transmitting to the amplifier. A feedback processor for converting a feedback signal for input into a digital predistortion linearizer”. Page 3, lines 9-11, “a first narrowband bandpass filter for filtering according to a center frequency and a bandwidth selected to enable the linearization process through the digital predistortion linearization unit among the outputted mixer and the signal output to the mixer”. Page 3, lines 32-35, “The digital predistortion linearization unit receives the feedback signal from the converted digital signal and the amplifier and generates a signal opposite to the nonlinear characteristic by using a crest factor reduction (CFR) function and a digital pre-distortion (DPD) function. To remove the intermodulation signal due to the nonlinear characteristic” (discloses inputting linearization signal into the module to generate a predistortion signal)).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Kolzer, ERMUTLU, WU and Hong to provide a system and method for calibrating an antenna array in wireless communication system based on digital equivalents of the analog antenna array signals and controls the antenna array based on the calibration signals. The advantage of doing so is to mitigate linear distortions within the antenna array and testing the signal paths in a reduced time without changing physical position of the probes.
In re claim 5, the combination discloses the apparatus of Claim 4, wherein WU discloses the method further comprising: a digital precoder (Page 2, lines 18-19, “For the first antenna sub-array, firstly using digital precoder to control amplitude, then using analogue precoder to adjust the phase”).
In re claim 10, the combination discloses the method of Claim 9, but does not explicitly disclose wherein the method further comprising: calculating non-linear antenna array signals based on the linearization signals.
Hong discloses wherein the method further comprising: calculating non-linear antenna array signals based on the linearization signals (Fig. 2: 130, Page 5, lines 26-28, “The digital predistortion linearization unit receives a signal output from the first A / D converter and a signal fed back from the amplifier through a feedback processor to remove the intermodulation signal generated by the nonlinear characteristics of the amplifier”. Page 2, lines 29-38, “a digital linearization apparatus... a D / A converter for converting a digital signal processed by the digital predistortion linearizer into an IF signal, and an IF output from the D / A converter It includes a frequency up-converter for converting the signal into a microwave frequency and transmitting to the amplifier. A feedback processor for converting a feedback signal for input into a digital predistortion linearizer”. Page 3, lines 9-11, “a first narrowband bandpass filter for filtering according to a center frequency and a bandwidth selected to enable the linearization process through the digital predistortion linearization unit among the outputted mixer and the signal output to the mixer”. Page 3, lines 32-35, “The digital predistortion linearization unit receives the feedback signal from the converted digital signal and the amplifier and generates a signal opposite to the nonlinear characteristic by using a crest factor reduction (CFR) function and a digital pre-distortion (DPD) function. To remove the intermodulation signal due to the nonlinear characteristic” (discloses inputting linearization signal into the module to generate nonlinear antenna array signals)).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Kolzer, ERMUTLU, WU and Hong to provide a system and method for calibrating an antenna array in wireless communication system based on digital equivalents of the analog antenna array signals and controls the antenna array based on the calibration signals. The advantage of doing so is to reduce the back-off margin and increase the efficiency.
In re claim 11, the combination discloses the method of Claim 10, wherein WU discloses transmitting the non-linear antenna array signals to an analog precoding component to control the antenna array (Page 2, lines 19-24, “For the first antenna sub-array, firstly using digital precoder to control amplitude, then using analogue precoder to adjust the phase. After the optimization the first antenna sub array can achieve the capacity, using successive interference cancellation to eliminate the first antenna sub-array contribution to the total capacity, then optimizing the capacity of the second antenna sub-array, repeating this process until the last of the antenna sub-array, the capacity of the whole system solving optimization problem, namely finishing the design and solving the mixed precoder”).
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the date of this final action.
Contact
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to SWATI JAIN whose telephone number is (571)270-0699. The examiner can normally be reached Mon - Fri (830 am - 530 pm).
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Pan Yuwen can be reached on 571-272-7855. 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.
/SWATI JAIN/Examiner, Art Unit 2649
/YUWEN PAN/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2649
Prosecution Insights