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 .
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 02/14/2024 is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Claim Objections
Claim 11 is objected to because of the following informalities:
Claim 11 in line 8, “determine, based on not receiving a third frame during a first time period of the r-TWT SP”. This is because of the definition of “third frame” as defined in the specification in the specification, for example, it is recited in ¶0291, “the AP may determine that the wireless medium is or is not being used based on receiving or not receiving a third frame during a first time period within the r-TWT SP. Alternatively or additionally, the AP may determine that the wireless medium is or is not being used based on receiving or not receiving a response frame from a STA in response to a request frame transmitted by the AP within the r-TWT SP. In an example, the third frame may be an MSDU with a TID”;
Claim 11 in line 11, “based on the determining, transmit a should be replaced by, “based on the determining, transmit a second frame indicating termination of the r-TWT SP”. This is because of the definition of “second frame” as defined in the specification in the specification, for example, it is recited in ¶0293, “In step 3230, process 3200 may include transmitting a second frame indicating termination of the r-TWT SP to STAs that belong to a BSS of the AP. In an example, the second frame may be a control frame, a CF-End frame,”
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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 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)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claim 11 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Kim et al. (2024/0008119 ), Kim hereinafter. Kim teaches all of the limitations of the specified claim with the following reasoning that follows.
Re. claim 11, Kim teaches an access point (AP) (Fig. 4/Fig.11-15, AP) comprising: one or more processors (Fig. 4, 210); and memory (Fig. 4, 260) storing instructions (Fig. 4 & ¶0076) that, when executed by the one or more processors (Fig. 4 & ¶0076), cause the AP to: transmit a first frame indicating: a restricted target wake time (r-TWT) service period (SP) for one or more stations (STAs) (Fig. 11-12 & ¶0150 - A service period in a TWT may be configured as follows…., the AP may request the station to participate in the TWT by configuring a value of a TWT required subfield of a HE operation element as 1. In addition, the AP may transmit a broadcast TWT element <i.e., first frame as per ¶0313 in the instant application> through a management frame, e.g., a beacon frame <i.e., first frame as per ¶0313 in the instant application>, to transfer information required for the participation in the broadcast TWT, to the station. In this case, the AP may perform signaling of supporting of the broadcast TWT by configuring dot11TWTOptionActivated as “true”, and configuring a broadcast TWT support field (element) of a HE capabilities element as 1. The AP may configure a restricted service interval to be similar to a service period of a TWT. Fig. 11-12 & ¶0155 - The restricted service period may be included in the broadcast TWT service period. Fig. 11-12 & ¶0156 - In addition, the restricted service period may be repeated according to a cycle designated by the AP. That is, the AP may designate a repetition cycle of the restricted service period. Accordingly, the AP may not always transmit a TWT element of a beacon frame to configure the restricted service period. In this case, the cycle of the service period may be configured according to the characteristics of a low latency service for which the low latency traffic is used. Fig. 11-12 & ¶0162 - In an embodiment of FIG. 12, an AP configures a quiet interval and a restricted service period by transmitting a beacon frame <i.e., first frame>.); and a quiet interval, wherein the quiet interval starts with a start time of the r-TWT SP and overlaps with a portion of the r-TWT SP (Fig. 11-12 & ¶0159 - An AP operating a restricted TWT may configure a quiet interval by transmitting a quiet element. During the quiet interval, a station suspends channel access. However, when channel access by a station participating in the restricted TWT is also limited, transmission of low latency traffic cannot be performed. Accordingly, the station participating in the restricted TWT may ignore a quiet interval corresponding to a restricted service period. In this case, the quiet interval corresponding to the restricted service period indicates a quiet interval configured to protect the restricted service period of the restricted TWT. Specifically, the station participating in the restricted TWT may consider the quiet interval corresponding to the restricted service period as a restricted service period. Fig. 11-12 & ¶0161 - when a start time point of the restricted service period and a start time point of the quiet interval are within a predetermined time and a start time point of a service period and a start time point of the quiet interval are within a predetermined time, the station participating in the restricted service period may consider the quiet interval as a quiet interval corresponding to the restricted service period. Fig. 11-12 & ¶0162 - In an embodiment of FIG. 12, an AP configures a quiet interval and a restricted service period by transmitting a beacon frame. In (a) of FIG. 12, a quiet interval and a restricted service period are configured as the same time interval. Accordingly, a station participating in a restricted TWT performs channel access in the quiet interval. In (b) of FIG. 12, a quiet interval is configured as an interval between a time point earlier than a start time point of a restricted service period and a time point later than an end time point of the restricted service period. In (b) of FIG. 12, a station participating in a restricted TWT is restricted to perform channel access in a quiet interval not overlapping with the restricted service period. The station participating in the restricted TWT performs channel access in a quiet interval overlapping with the restricted service period.); determine, based on not receiving a second frame during a first time period of the r-TWT SP, that a wireless medium is not used by the one or more STAs, wherein the first time period starts with the start time of the r-TWT SP (Fig. 7-8 & ¶0085 - FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a format of a PLCP Protocol data unit (PPDU) for each of various standard generations. More specifically, FIG. 7(a) illustrates an embodiment of a legacy PPDU format based on 802.11a/g, FIG. 7(b) illustrates an embodiment of an HE PPDU format based on 802.11ax, and FIG. 7(c) illustrates an embodiment of a non-legacy PPDU (i.e., EHT PPDU) format based on 802.11be. FIG. 7(d) illustrates detailed field configurations of RL-SIG and L-SIG commonly used in the PPDU formats. Fig. 7-8 & ¶0108: ¶0109 - FIG. 8 illustrates an example of various extremely high throughput (EHT) physical protocol data unit (PPDU) formats ..Referring to FIG. 8, a PPDU may include a preamble and a data part, and an EHT PPDU format, that is a PPDU type….Fig. 14-15 & ¶0186 - For the AP to terminate the restricted service period early, the AP needs to determine that all low latency transmission (i.e., PPDU/MPDU/MSDU <MAC service data unit, see ¶0118> related to low latency data as shown in Fig. 7-8, low latency traffic is interpreted as data frame, which is identified as a second frame, see ¶0291 in the instant application, which recites, “..the third frame may be an MSDU with a TID indicated as latency sensitive traffic in the first frame.”, also, see claim objection) of a station participating in a restricted TWT is completed. To this end, a station participating in a restricted TWT may perform signaling of whether to additionally transmit low latency traffic, through a transmitted frame. Specifically, the station may perform signaling of whether to additionally transmit low latency traffic by configuring a value of a more data subfield of a frame control field of a frame. .. The AP may terminate the restricted service period early based on whether the value of the more data subfield of the frame control field of the frame transmitted in the restricted service period by the station participating in the restricted TWT is not 0. Specifically, when the transmission buffer of the AP has no low latency traffic ((i.e., PPDU/MPDU/MSDU <MAC service data unit, see ¶0118> related to low latency data as shown in Fig. 7-8, low latency traffic is interpreted as data frame, which is identified as a second frame, see ¶0291 in the instant application, which recites, “..the third frame may be an MSDU with a TID indicated as latency sensitive traffic in the first frame.”, also, see claim objection) to be transmitted and the value of the more data subfield of the frame control field of the frame transmitted in the restricted service period by the station participating in the restricted TWT is not 0, the AP may terminate the restricted service period early. Fig. 14-15 & ¶0192 - When the AP determines that all low latency traffic (i.e., PPDU/MPDU/MSDU <MAC service data unit, see ¶0118> related to low latency data as shown in Fig. 7-8, low latency traffic is interpreted as data frame, which is identified as a second frame, see ¶0291 in the instant application, which recites, “..the third frame may be an MSDU with a TID indicated as latency sensitive traffic in the first frame.”, also, see claim objection) transmission is completed within the restricted service period, the AP terminates the restricted service period early by transmitting the CF-End frame, and releases the quiet interval configured for the legacy station. In this case, the station supporting the restricted TWT determines that channel access restriction applied during the restricted service period has been removed.); and based on the determining, transmit a third frame indicating termination of the r-TWT SP (Fig. 14-15 & ¶0187 - The AP may terminate the restricted service period early by transmitting a predetermined control frame. In this case, the control frame may be a CF-End frame <i.e.., third frame, see ¶0246/¶0293 in the instant application, also, see, claim objection>. Fig. 14-15 & ¶0188 - The station having received, in the restricted service period, a predetermined frame indicating termination of the restricted service period may determine that the restricted service period has been terminated. In this case, the station having received the predetermined frame may resume channel access without restriction applied to the restricted service period. As describe above, the predetermined frame may be a CF-End frame <i.e.., third frame, see ¶0246/¶0293 in the instant application, also, see, claim objection>. In this case, a value of a TA(BSSID) field of the CF-End frame received by the station in the restricted service period is a MAC address of an AP with which the station is associated, the station may determine the frame as a CF-End frame for terminating the restricted service period. Fig. 14-15 & ¶0191 - …. …. when the CF-End frame < i.e., third frame, see ¶0246/¶0293 in the instant application, also, see, claim objection > is used to terminate the restricted service period early, the AP may transmit the CF-End frame <i.e., third frame, see ¶0246/¶0293 in the instant application, also, see, claim objection > within the restricted service period. Fig. 14-15 & ¶0192 - When the AP determines that all low latency traffic transmission is completed within the restricted service period, the AP terminates the restricted service period early by transmitting the CF-End frame < i.e., third frame, see ¶0246/¶0293 in the instant application, also, see, claim objection>, and releases the quiet interval configured for the legacy station. In this case, the station supporting the restricted TWT determines that channel access restriction applied during the restricted service period has been removed.).
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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.
In 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 factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claims 1-5, 7-9 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Baek et al. (2024/0373350), Baek hereinafter, Chunyu et al. (IEEE 802.11-21/1115r0, as submitted in IDS), Title: Traffic Prioritization During the Restricted TWT SPs; Affiliations: Facebook Inc. Date: 2021-07-25, Chunyu hereinafter.
Re. claims 1 and 20, Baek teaches a non-transitory computer-readable medium (Fig. 1, 104/204) comprising instructions (Fig. 1 & ¶0048-¶0049) that, when executed by a processor (Fig. 1, 102/202) of station (STA) (Fig. 1, 100/200), cause the STA to, and a station (STA) (Fig. 1, 100/200) comprising: one or more processors (Fig. 1, 102/202); and memory (Fig. 1, 104/204) storing instructions (Fig. 1 & ¶0048-¶0049) that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the STA to: receive, from an access point (AP), a first frame indicating a trigger-enabled restricted target wake time (r-TWT) service period (SP) for the STA (Fig. 15 & ¶0206 - Broadcast TWT is a type of TWT in which a non-AP STA (or TWT scheduling STA) acquires information about target beacon transmission time (TBTT) and listening interval by transmitting and receiving TWT request/response frames with the AP (or TWT scheduled STA). Here, a negotiation operation for TBTT may be performed. Based on this, the AP may define a frame that will contain TWT scheduling information through a beacon frame. Fig. 15 & ¶0207 - In FIG. 15, STA 1 performs a solicited TWT operation, and STA 2 performs an unsolicited TWT operation. The AP may transmit the DL MU PPDU after checking the awake state of the STAs through the trigger transmitted by the AP. This may be the same as the process for individual TWT. In broadcast TWT, the trigger-enabled TWT SP, including the beacon frame, may be repeated several times at regular intervals.); and
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Yet, Baek does not expressly teach based on not receiving a second frame from the AP during a first time period within the trigger-enabled r-TWT SP, transmit a non-trigger based frame to the AP.
However, in the analogous art, Chunyu explicitly discloses based on not receiving a second frame from the AP during a first time period within the trigger-enabled r-TWT SP, transmit a non-trigger based frame to the AP. (Slide 6: Discuss two types: Trigger enabled rTWT SPs; Non-trigger enabled rTWT SPs. Slide 13: UL traffic prioritization for Non Trigger-enabled rTWT SPs: rTWT scheduled STAs shall first schedule the transmission of MSDUs of TIDs_L. If there is no more pending frames of TIDs_L, the rTWT scheduled STAs shall either indicate to AP its readiness to terminate the SP, or request to terminate the SP, or stop scheduling other data frame transmission until the end of the rTWT SP or the rTWT SP is terminated).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Baek’s invention of a system and a method for performing communication based on restricted target wake time (TWT) in a next-generation wireless LAN system to include Chunyu’s invention of Traffic Prioritization during the Restricted TWT (target wake time) SPs (Service Periods) in a next-generation wireless LAN system, because it provides an efficient mechanism for implementing traffic prioritization rules during the restricted TWT SPs in the next-generation wireless LAN system. (Slide1-2, Chunyu)
Re. Claim 2, Baek and Chunyu teach claim 1.
Yet, Baek does not expressly teach wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the STA to transmit the non-trigger based frame using a contention-based channel access scheme.
However, in the analogous art, Chunyu explicitly discloses wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the STA to transmit the non-trigger based frame using a contention-based channel access scheme. (Slide 12 - The non rTWT STAs for current rTWT SP can access the channel following the baseline EDCA and MU-EDCA rules….Such STAs, when gaining channel access, can transmit traffic of their choices.).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Baek’s invention of a system and a method for performing communication based on restricted target wake time (TWT) in a next-generation wireless LAN system to include Chunyu’s invention of Traffic Prioritization during the Restricted TWT (target wake time) SPs (Service Periods) in a next-generation wireless LAN system, because it provides an efficient mechanism for implementing traffic prioritization rules during the restricted TWT SPs in the next-generation wireless LAN system. (Slide1-2, Chunyu)
Re. Claim 3, Baek and Chunyu teach claim 1.
Yet, Baek does not expressly teach wherein transmission of the non-trigger based frame terminates the trigger-enabled r-TWT SP.
However, in the analogous art, Chunyu explicitly discloses wherein transmission of the non-trigger based frame terminates the trigger-enabled r-TWT SP. (Slide 13: UL traffic prioritization for Non Trigger-enabled rTWT SPs: rTWT scheduled STAs shall first schedule the transmission of MSDUs of TIDs_L. If there is no more pending frames of TIDs_L, the rTWT scheduled STAs shall either indicate to AP its readiness to terminate the SP, or request to terminate the SP, or stop scheduling other data frame transmission until the end of the rTWT SP or the rTWT SP is terminated).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Baek’s invention of a system and a method for performing communication based on restricted target wake time (TWT) in a next-generation wireless LAN system to include Chunyu’s invention of Traffic Prioritization during the Restricted TWT (target wake time) SPs (Service Periods) in a next-generation wireless LAN system, because it provides an efficient mechanism for implementing traffic prioritization rules during the restricted TWT SPs in the next-generation wireless LAN system. (Slide1-2, Chunyu)
Re. Claim 4, Baek and Chunyu teach claim 1.
Yet, Baek does not expressly teach wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the STA to transmit the non-trigger based frame at a pre-determined time after the first time period ends.
However, in the analogous art, Chunyu explicitly discloses wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the STA to transmit the non-trigger based frame at a pre-determined time after the first time period ends. (Slide 13: UL traffic prioritization for Non Trigger-enabled rTWT SPs: rTWT scheduled STAs shall first schedule the transmission of MSDUs of TIDs_L. If there is no more pending frames of TIDs_L, the rTWT scheduled STAs shall either indicate to AP its readiness to terminate the SP, or request to terminate the SP, or stop scheduling other data frame transmission until the end of the rTWT SP or the rTWT SP is terminated).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Baek’s invention of a system and a method for performing communication based on restricted target wake time (TWT) in a next-generation wireless LAN system to include Chunyu’s invention of Traffic Prioritization during the Restricted TWT (target wake time) SPs (Service Periods) in a next-generation wireless LAN system, because it provides an efficient mechanism for implementing traffic prioritization rules during the restricted TWT SPs in the next-generation wireless LAN system. (Slide1-2, Chunyu)
Re. Claim 5, Baek and Chunyu teach claim 1.
Yet, Baek does not expressly teach wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the STA to transmit the non-trigger based frame based on the first time period ending prior to a predetermined time before the end of the trigger-enabled r-TWT SP.
However, in the analogous art, Chunyu explicitly discloses wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the STA to transmit the non-trigger based frame based on the first time period ending prior to a predetermined time before the end of the trigger-enabled r-TWT SP. (Slide 13: UL traffic prioritization for Non Trigger-enabled rTWT SPs: rTWT scheduled STAs shall first schedule the transmission of MSDUs of TIDs_L. If there is no more pending frames of TIDs_L, the rTWT scheduled STAs shall either indicate to AP its readiness to terminate the SP, or request to terminate the SP, or stop scheduling other data frame transmission until the end of the rTWT SP or the rTWT SP is terminated).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Baek’s invention of a system and a method for performing communication based on restricted target wake time (TWT) in a next-generation wireless LAN system to include Chunyu’s invention of Traffic Prioritization during the Restricted TWT (target wake time) SPs (Service Periods) in a next-generation wireless LAN system, because it provides an efficient mechanism for implementing traffic prioritization rules during the restricted TWT SPs in the next-generation wireless LAN system. (Slide1-2, Chunyu)
Re. Claim 7, Baek and Chunyu teach claim 1.
Baek further teaches wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the STA to: transmit, to the AP, a setup request frame indicating one or more first traffic identifiers (TIDs) associated with the trigger-enabled r-TWT SP; and receive, from the AP, a setup response frame indicating one or more second TIDs associated with the trigger-enabled r-TWT SP. (Fig. 14-15 & ¶0201 - FIG. 14, AP and STA 1 may form a trigger-enabled TWT agreement through a TWT request frame and a TWT response frame. Fig. 14-15 & ¶0202 - The method used by STA 1 is a solicited TWT method. When STA 1 transmits a TWT request frame to the AP, STA 1 receives information for TWT operation from the AP through a TWT response frame.)
Re. Claim 8, Baek and Chunyu teach claim 1.
Baek further teaches wherein the STA is a member of the trigger-enabled r-TWT SP. (Fig. 14-15 & ¶0202 - The method used by STA 1 is a solicited TWT method. When STA 1 transmits a TWT request frame to the AP, STA 1 receives information for TWT operation from the AP through a TWT response frame. Fig. 14-15 & ¶0203 - STA 2, which performs the unsolicited TWT method, may receive information about trigger-enabled TWT agreement configurations from the AP through an unsolicited TWT response.)
Re. Claim 9, Baek and Chunyu teach claim 1.
Baek further teaches wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the STA to receive a trigger frame from the AP before transmitting during the trigger-enabled r-TWT SP. (Fig. 14-15 & ¶0203 - STA 2, which performs the unsolicited TWT method, may receive information about trigger-enabled TWT agreement configurations from the AP through an unsolicited TWT response. Fig. 14-15 & ¶0204 - STA 2 may calculate the next TWT by adding a specific number from the current TWT value. During a trigger-enabled TWT SP, the AP may transmit a trigger frame to STAs. The trigger frame may inform STAs that the AP has buffered data. In response to this, STA 1 may inform the AP of its awake state by transmitting a PS-Poll frame. Additionally, STA 2 may notify the AP of its awake state by transmitting a QoS Null frame. Here, the data frames transmitted by STA 1 and STA 2 may be frames in TB PPDU format. The AP that has confirmed the state of STA 1 and STA 2 may transmit a DL MU PPDU to the awake STAs. When the corresponding TWT SP expires, STA 1 and STA 2 may switch to the doze state.).
Claim 6 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Baek, in view of Chunyu, further in view CHERIAN et al. (2022/0078844 as submitted in IDS), CHERIAN hereinafter.
Re. Claim 6, Baek and Chunyu teach claim 1.
Yet, Baek and Chunyu do not expressly teach wherein the second frame comprises a trigger frame.
However, in the analogous art, CHERIAN explicitly discloses wherein the second frame comprises a trigger frame. (Fig. 1-25 & ¶0008 - the protection frame indicates a period of time during which each STA of the group of STAs belonging to the restricted TWT session and not identified by the protection frame is to remain in the PS mode. In some other instances, the protection frame includes a trigger frame including an association identifier (AID) of each STA of the one or more identified STAs. Fig. 1-25 & ¶0152 - At time t9, the AP may transmit a third scheduling frame S3 (Trigger frame as shown in Fig. 19) over the wireless channel to solicit UL transmissions during a corresponding third scheduled opportunity, and so on, until the restricted TWT SP ends at time t.sub.12. In the example of FIG. 19, the AP may not have any queued downlink data for any of STA1-STA3, and none of the STAs identified by the third scheduling frame S3 may have queued uplink data for transmission to the AP during the third scheduled opportunity. In some implementations, the AP may monitor the wireless channel and detect an absence of data transmissions on the wireless channel during the third scheduled opportunity. In some instances, the AP may recover a remaining portion of the TXOP granted to the STA(s) identified by the third scheduling frame S3 (Trigger frame as shown in Fig. 19), and may permit the other STAs to access the wireless channel. In the example of FIG. 19, the other STA uses a contention-based channel access mechanism (such as an EDCA mechanism) to gain access to the wireless channel at time t10, and transmits or receives one or more PPDUs 1930 on the wireless channel between times t.sub.10 and t.sub.11. At time t.sub.13, the restricted TWT session ends.)
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Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Baek’s invention of a system and a method for performing communication based on restricted target wake time (TWT) in a next-generation wireless LAN system and Chunyu’s invention of Traffic Prioritization during the Restricted TWT (target wake time) SPs (Service Periods) in a next-generation wireless LAN system to include CHERIAN’s invention of a system and a method for scheduling wireless stations within a target wake time service period in a wireless local area network (WLAN), because it provides an efficient mechanism for allocating resources of a wireless network to one or more wireless communication devices associated with peer-to-peer (P2P) communications, which rely on running real time applications that have stringent latency requirements, operates during a restricted target wake time (TWT) service period (SP) in the wireless local area network (WLAN). (¶0002-¶0004, CHERIAN)
Claim 10 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Baek, in view of Chunyu, further in view of HO et al. (2022/0070772 as submitted in IDS), HO hereinafter.
Re. Claim 10, Baek and Chunyu teach claim 1.
Yet, Baek and Chunyu do not expressly teach wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the STA to determine the first time period based on an access category of a traffic identifier (TID) associated with the trigger-enabled r-TWT SP.
However, in the analogous art, HO explicitly discloses wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors (Fig. 5B, 535), further cause the STA to determine the first time period based on an access category of a traffic identifier (TID) associated with the r-TWT SP (Fig. 1-15 & ¶0009 - establishing the restricted TWT session may include transmitting a frame indicating a latency sensitive traffic priority associated with the restricted TWT session, and receiving, from each of the one or more STAs, a request to become members of the restricted TWT session based on the indicated latency sensitive traffic priority. In some instances, the indicated latency sensitive traffic priority may correspond to one or more selected traffic identifiers (TIDs). For example, the one or more selected TIDs may be associated with a voice access category (AC_VO). Fig. 1-15 & ¶0088 - the TWT Element may indicate that the restricted TWT session is for STAs that have or are associated with latency sensitive traffic corresponding to one or more selected traffic identifiers (TIDs). For example, in some instances, the selected TIDs may be associated with a voice access category (AC_VO)).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Baek’s invention of a system and a method for performing communication based on restricted target wake time (TWT) in a next-generation wireless LAN system and Chunyu’s invention of Traffic Prioritization during the Restricted TWT (target wake time) SPs (Service Periods) in a next-generation wireless LAN system to include HO’s invention of a system and method for low-latency enhancements for a wireless network, because it provides an efficient mechanism for ensuring certain data throughput levels are maintained for latency sensitive traffic in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). (¶0002-¶0004, HO)
Claims 12 and 19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim, in view of HU et al. (2024/0098647), HU hereinafter.
Re. Claim 12, Kim teaches claim 11.
Yet, Kim does not expressly teach wherein the second frame comprises at least one of: a medium access control (MAC) service data unit (MSDU) with a traffic identifier (TID) associated with the r-TWT SP; a request to send (RTS) frame; a power save-poll (PS-Poll) frame; and a quality of service (QoS) Null frame.
However, in the analogous art, HU explicitly discloses wherein the second frame comprises at least one of: a medium access control (MAC) service data unit (MSDU) with a traffic identifier (TID) associated with the r-TWT SP (Fig. 1-7/Fig.9 & ¶0054 - An AP (e.g., AP 105 and/or other device operating as a soft AP/hotspot) may enhance medium access protection and resource reservation by supporting restricted TWT (rTWT). The rTWT SPs may be used to deliver latency sensitive traffic and/or any additional frame that supports latency sensitive traffic. Broadcast TWT signaling may be extended for use in scheduling/negotiation/communicating rTWT SPs. … during a rTWT SP, the AP and a scheduled STA may require the transmission of QoS Data frames that are latency sensitive traffic. In other embodiments, during a rTWT SP, the AP and the STA may prioritize the transmission of QoS Data frames that are latency sensitive traffic. Fig. 1-7/Fig.9 & ¶0058 - a value of 1 (or 0) in bit position k in the bitmap may indicate TID k is identified as latency sensitive traffic, and Medium Access Control (MAC) Service Data Units (MSDUs) of TID k are allowed to be transmitted in the rTWT SP described/indicated by the Broadcast TWT Parameter Set Field. That is, the TIDs may specify latency sensitive traffic for a specific rTWT schedule. If a TID is indicated, then the traffic corresponding to the TID may be latency sensitive traffic. Also, examiner interprets that only one of the claimed features to be mapped because of the presence of “at least one of”); a request to send (RTS) frame; a power save-poll (PS-Poll) frame; and a quality of service (QoS) Null frame.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Kim’s invention of multi-link device operating in multiple links in a next-generation wireless LAN system to include HU’s invention of a system and method related to using restricted target wake time (rTWT) in a wireless communication system, because it provides an efficient mechanism for identifying latency sensitive traffic streams as used in artificial reality such as a virtual reality (VR), an augmented reality (AR), or a mixed reality (MR), prioritized those latency sensitive traffic streams for transmission during a restricted TWT service period operating in the wireless communication system. (¶0002-¶0010, HU)
Re. Claim 19, Kim teaches claim 11.
Yet, Kim does not expressly teach wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the AP to maintain the r-TWT SP in response to: receiving a medium access control (MAC) service data unit (MSDU) with a traffic identifier (TID) associated with the r-TWT SP; receiving a request to send (RTS) frame from a STA of the one or more STAs; or receiving a response frame from a STA in response to a request frame.
However, in the analogous art, HU explicitly discloses wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors (Fig. 1, 105 & ¶0089-¶0090), further cause the AP (Fig.1, 105) to maintain the r-TWT SP in response to: receiving a medium access control (MAC) service data unit (MSDU) with a traffic identifier (TID) associated with the r-TWT SP (Fig. 1-7/Fig.9 & ¶0054 - An AP (e.g., AP 105 and/or other device operating as a soft AP/hotspot) may enhance medium access protection and resource reservation by supporting restricted TWT (rTWT). The rTWT SPs may be used to deliver latency sensitive traffic and/or any additional frame that supports latency sensitive traffic. Broadcast TWT signaling may be extended for use in scheduling/negotiation/communicating rTWT SPs. … during a rTWT SP, the AP and a scheduled STA may require the transmission of QoS Data frames that are latency sensitive traffic. In other embodiments, during a rTWT SP, the AP and the STA may prioritize the transmission of QoS Data frames that are latency sensitive traffic. Fig. 1-7/Fig.9 & ¶0058 - a value of 1 (or 0) in bit position k in the bitmap may indicate TID k is identified as latency sensitive traffic, and Medium Access Control (MAC) Service Data Units (MSDUs) of TID k are allowed to be transmitted in the rTWT SP described/indicated by the Broadcast TWT Parameter Set Field. That is, the TIDs may specify latency sensitive traffic for a specific rTWT schedule. If a TID is indicated, then the traffic corresponding to the TID may be latency sensitive traffic. Also, examiner interprets that only one of the claimed features to be mapped because of the presence of “at least one of”); receiving a request to send (RTS) frame from a STA of the one or more STAs; or receiving a response frame from a STA in response to a request frame.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Kim’s invention of multi-link device operating in multiple links in a next-generation wireless LAN system to include HU’s invention of a system and method related to using restricted target wake time (rTWT) in a wireless communication system, because it provides an efficient mechanism for identifying latency sensitive traffic streams as used in artificial reality such as a virtual reality (VR), an augmented reality (AR), or a mixed reality (MR), prioritized those latency sensitive traffic streams for transmission during a restricted TWT service period operating in the wireless communication system. (¶0002-¶0010, HU)
Claims 13-14 and 16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim, in view of Min et al. (2022/0141680), Min hereinafter.
Re. Claim 13, Kim teaches claim 11.
Yet, Kim does not expressly teach wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the AP to: transmit, during the r-TWT SP, a request frame soliciting the one or more-STAs for uplink transmission, and determine that the wireless medium is not used based on not receiving a response frame in response to the request frame.
However, in the analogous art, Min explicitly discloses wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors (Fig. 1, 120), further cause the AP to: transmit, during the r-TWT SP, a request frame soliciting the one or more-STAs for uplink transmission, and determine that the wireless medium is not used based on not receiving a response frame in response to the request frame (Fig. 1/Fig.10C & Fig. 11A & ¶0156 - in operation 1015c, the electronic device 101 or the external electronic device 205 may identify whether or not a trigger frame…. the NAV value may indicate information on the time for which the wireless channel is occupied by the first external electronic device that transmits the trigger frame, the RTS (ready-to-send or request-to-send), or the CTS (clear-to-send) and the second external electronic device that transmits and/or receives data to and/or from the first external electronic device, and may provide a function of restricting access of devices, which are different from the first and second external electronic devices, to a wireless medium until the NAV value becomes 0. … if the trigger frame, RTS, and/or CTS of another external electronic device are not detected, the electronic device 101 or the external electronic device 205 may reperform operation 1010c, thereby transmitting and/or receiving a corresponding next data frame during the next TWT service period. Fig. 1/Fig.10C & Fig. 11A & ¶0157 - the electronic device 101 or the external electronic device 205 may identify the time during which access of the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 205 to the wireless medium is restricted in the TWT service period in which the trigger frame, RTS, and/or CTS of another external electronic device are detected on the basis of the NAV value, and may identify the time value obtained by subtracting the time during which access to the wireless medium is restricted from the duration of the TWT service period. Fig. 1/Fig.10C & Fig. 11A & ¶0180 - if it is identified that failure of transmission of all/a portion of the data frame continuously occurs in the consecutive TWT service periods (e.g., the 2nd service period and the 3rd service period), the electronic device 101 or the external electronic device 205 may transmit, to the counterpart device, a message (e.g., a TWT request frame and/or a TWT response frame) for TWT reset (e.g., a TWT setup 1111). For example, the message (e.g., the TWT request frame and/or the TWT response frame) may include information on at least one parameter (e.g., a TWT wake duration, a TWT wake interval, and a target wake time) of the TWT service period. …. the electronic device 101 or the external electronic device 205 may transmit a message (e.g., the TWT request frame and/or TWT response frame) including information on a TWT wake duration 1113b that is different from the TWT wake duration determined at the time of initial setup.).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Kim’s invention of multi-link device operating in multiple links in a next-generation wireless LAN system to include Min’s invention of a system and method for performing rescheduling over a wireless channel on the basis of a wireless channel environment in a wireless communication system, because it provides an efficient mechanism for minimizing current consumption of external electronic device (e.g., AR glasses as shown in Fig.2) for providing an effective augmented reality experience (AR experience) to a user over the wireless channel in the wireless communication system. (¶0002-¶0011, Min)
Re. Claim 14, Kim and Min teach claim 13.
Kim further teaches wherein the third frame comprises: a control frame (Fig. 14-15 & ¶0187 - The AP may terminate the restricted service period early by transmitting a predetermined control frame. In this case, the control frame may be a CF-End frame <i.e.., third frame, see ¶0246/¶0293 in the instant application, also, see, claim objection>. Fig. 14-15 & ¶0188 - The station having received, in the restricted service period, a predetermined frame indicating termination of the restricted service period may determine that the restricted service period has been terminated. In this case, the station having received the predetermined frame may resume channel access without restriction applied to the restricted service period. As describe above, the predetermined frame may be a CF-End frame <i.e.., third frame, see ¶0246/¶0293 in the instant application, also, see, claim objection>. In this case, a value of a TA(BSSID) field of the CF-End frame received by the station in the restricted service period is a MAC address of an AP with which the station is associated, the station may determine the frame as a CF-End frame for terminating the restricted service period. Fig. 14-15 & ¶0191 - …. …. when the CF-End frame < i.e., third frame, see ¶0246/¶0293 in the instant application, also, see, claim objection > is used to terminate the restricted service period early, the AP may transmit the CF-End frame <i.e., third frame, see ¶0246/¶0293 in the instant application, also, see, claim objection > within the restricted service period. Fig. 14-15 & ¶0192 - When the AP determines that all low latency traffic transmission is completed within the restricted service period, the AP terminates the restricted service period early by transmitting the CF-End frame < i.e., third frame, see ¶0246/¶0293 in the instant application, also, see, claim objection>, and releases the quiet interval configured for the legacy station. In this case, the station supporting the restricted TWT determines that channel access restriction applied during the restricted service period has been removed. Also, examiner interprets that only one of the claimed features to be mapped because of the presence of “or”); a contention free-end (CF-End) frame; a quality of service (QoS) Data frame; or a QoS Null frame.
Re. Claim 16, Kim and Min teach claim 14.
Kim further teaches wherein the control frame comprises a field indicating termination of the r-TWT SP (Fig. 14-15 & ¶0187 - The AP may terminate the restricted service period early by transmitting a predetermined control frame. In this case, the control frame may be a CF-End frame <i.e.., third frame, see ¶0246/¶0293 in the instant application, also, see, claim objection>. Fig. 14-15 & ¶0188 - The station having received, in the restricted service period, a predetermined frame indicating termination of the restricted service period may determine that the restricted service period has been terminated. In this case, the station having received the predetermined frame may resume channel access without restriction applied to the restricted service period. As describe above, the predetermined frame may be a CF-End frame <i.e.., third frame, see ¶0246/¶0293 in the instant application, also, see, claim objection>. In this case, a value of a TA(BSSID) field of the CF-End frame received by the station in the restricted service period is a MAC address of an AP with which the station is associated, the station may determine the frame as a CF-End frame for terminating the restricted service period. Fig. 14-15 & ¶0191 - …. …. when the CF-End frame < i.e., third frame, see ¶0246/¶0293 in the instant application, also, see, claim objection > is used to terminate the restricted service period early, the AP may transmit the CF-End frame <i.e., third frame, see ¶0246/¶0293 in the instant application, also, see, claim objection > within the restricted service period. Fig. 14-15 & ¶0192 - When the AP determines that all low latency traffic transmission is completed within the restricted service period, the AP terminates the restricted service period early by transmitting the CF-End frame < i.e., third frame, see ¶0246/¶0293 in the instant application, also, see, claim objection>, and releases the quiet interval configured for the legacy station. In this case, the station supporting the restricted TWT determines that channel access restriction applied during the restricted service period has been removed).
Claim 15 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim, in view of Min, further in view of Xin et al. (2022/0386372), Xin hereinafter.
Re. Claim 15, Kim and Min teach claim 14.
Yet, Kim and Min do not expressly teach wherein the QoS Null frame or the QoS Data frame comprises at least one of: an aggregate control (A-Control) field indicating termination of r-TWT SP; or a QoS Control field with an end of service period (EOSP) field set to 1.
However, in the analogous art, Xin explicitly discloses wherein the QoS Null frame or the QoS Data frame comprises at least one of: an aggregate control (A-Control) field indicating termination of r-TWT SP; or a QoS Control field with an end of service period (EOSP) field set to 1 (Fig. 15 & ¶0152 - The AP affiliated with the same MLD of the R-TWT SP2 members on link1 (e.g., AP1) may access 382 the channel on link1 for communicating 384 until the R-TWT SP on link2 ends for the following purposes only. The scheduling AP may access the channel to send a frame, such as a QoS Data or QoS Null frame that had the EOSP subfield equal to 1, to indicate the end of R-TWT SP1 since it is canceled. The AP may access the channel to serve the R-TWT members whose MLDs are not R-TWT members on link2. The AP may access the channel to send a frame (e.g., CF-End) to indicate the end of the R-TWT SP or the end of the quiet time on link1 which is as depicted 384 in the figure. The TA field of the frame (e.g., CF-End) can be set to a special ID to a link that can be mapped to the R-TWT ID and/or the STA ID and/or BSS ID.).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Kim’s invention of multi-link device operating in multiple links in a next-generation wireless LAN system and Min’s invention of a system and method for performing rescheduling over a wireless channel on the basis of a wireless channel environment in a wireless communication system to include Xin’s invention of a system and method for performing restricted target wait time (R-TWT) operations in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), because it provides an efficient mechanism for reducing latency, such as for real-time application traffic or other latency sensitive traffic, and in particular traffic from stations that operate in a low power configuration operating in the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). (¶0002-¶0008, Xin)
Claim 17 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim, in view of HO.
Re. Claim 17, Kim teaches claim 11.
Yet, Kim does not expressly teach wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the AP to determine the first time period based on an access category of a traffic identifier (TID) associated with the r-TWT SP.
However, in the analogous art, HO explicitly discloses wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors (Fig. 5A, 530), further cause the AP to determine the first time period based on an access category of a traffic identifier (TID) associated with the r-TWT SP (Fig. 1-15 & ¶0101 - A method for wireless communication performed by a wireless communication device operating as an access point (AP), including: [0102] establishing a restricted target wake time (TWT) session on a wireless medium for one or more wireless stations (STAs) associated with latency sensitive traffic, the restricted TWT session including one or more restricted TWT service periods (SPs) for communications on the wireless medium with only the one or more STAs associated with the latency sensitive traffic; Fig. 1-15 & ¶0121:¶0124 - 12. The method of any one or more of clauses 1-11, where establishing the restricted TWT session includes: transmitting a frame indicating a latency sensitive traffic priority associated with the restricted TWT session; and receiving, from each of the one or more STAs, a request to become a member of the restricted TWT session based on the indicated latency sensitive traffic priority. 13. The method of clause 12, where the indicated latency sensitive traffic priority corresponds to one or more selected traffic identifiers (TIDs). 14. The method of clause 13, where the one or more selected TIDs are associated with a voice access category (AC_VO)).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Kim’s invention of multi-link device operating in multiple links in a next-generation wireless LAN system to include HO’s invention of a system and method for low-latency enhancements for a wireless network, because it provides an efficient mechanism for ensuring certain data throughput levels are maintained for latency sensitive traffic in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). (¶0002-¶0004, HO)
Claim 18 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim, in view of Baek.
Re. Claim 18, Kim teaches claim 11.
Yet, Kim does not expressly teach wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the AP to determine that the wireless medium is used during the r-TWT SP based on: receiving a PHY-RXSTART.Indication; or receiving a frame from a STA belonging to a Basic Service Set (BSS) of the AP.
However, in the analogous art, HO explicitly discloses wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the AP to determine that the wireless medium is used during the r-TWT SP based on: receiving a PHY-RXSTART.Indication; or receiving a frame from a STA belonging to a Basic Service Set (BSS) of the AP (Fig. 1-26 & ¶0266 - it is assumed that the EHT non-AP supports (i.e. supports r-TWT operation/mode/mechanism) the r-TWT SP announced from the AP, but is not associated with the AP (which announces the r-TWT SP). That is, in an OBSS (overlapping basic service set) environment, it is assumed that r-TWT SP information is acquired through a beacon frame, etc. from a nearby AP that is not associated with an EHT non-AP. At this time, if the TXOP (OBSS NAV) of the EHT non-AP affects the r-TWT SP, the start time of the r-TWT SP may be postponed. For example, the start time of r-TWT SP may be postponed until after the end of the corresponding TXOP. Also, examiner interprets that only one of the claimed features to be mapped because of the presence of “or”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Kim’s invention of multi-link device operating in multiple links in a next-generation wireless LAN system to include Baek’s invention of a system and a method for performing communication based on restricted target wake time (TWT) in a next-generation wireless LAN system, because it provides an efficient mechanism for transmitting latency sensitive data/traffic in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). (¶0002-¶0005, Baek)
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Chu et al. (2023/0026249); See Abstract; ¶0003-¶0022, ¶0052, ¶0059-¶0086, ¶0094-¶0109, along with Fig. 1-9.
IEEE 802.11-21/1020r0; Title: Handling Fairness Issue in Restricted TWT; Authors: Rubayet Shafin et al. Date: 2021-06-25; See Slides 1-14
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/MOHAMMED S CHOWDHURY/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2467