DETAILED ACTION
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
This office action is a response to an application filed on 04/07/2026, in which claims 1-20 are pending and ready for examination.
Response to Amendment
Claims 1, 8, and 14-18 are currently amended.
Response to Argument.
Applicant's arguments filed 04/07/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
With respect to claims rejected under 35 USC 102, 103, the Applicant argues, see Pg. 14, last Para. to Pg. 15 2nd Para., that Kishiyama does not teach the feature in claim 1 by asserting that the OA only equates frequency hopping patterns to frequency hopping configurations.
Examiner cannot concur. As taught in cited paragraphs (Col. 11, Ln. 48 to Col. 12, Ln 20, Fig. 12), frequency hopping specification is signaled to govern the corresponding frequency hopping patterns. Also, as taught in Col. 9, Ln. 26-33, frequency hopping specification indicates one of the combinations of frequency hopping bandwidths and hopping patterns such that changing hopping patterns effectively changes hopping configuration/specification. Thus, the Applicant’s argument is moot.
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claims rejected under 35 USC 102, 103 in Remarks filed on 04/07/2026 have been considered but are moot upon further consideration and a new ground of rejection made under 35 USC 103 based on Kishiyama (US Pat. 8130812 B2) in view of Jacobsson (US Pub. 20250293749 A1).
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.
Claims 1 and 8-18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kishiyama (US Pat. 8130812 B2) in view of Jacobsson (US Pub. 20250293749 A1).
Regarding claim 1, Kishiyama discloses a system, comprising: a processor; and
a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising (Kishiyama; Fig. 12, Col. 11, Ln 48 to Col. 12, Ln. 20. A base station/communication system, also see Fig. 13, including a processor and a memory with instructions is used to perform communication processes.):
as part of attaching with a user equipment, determining a first sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration for communications with the user equipment (Kishiyama; Fig. 12, Col. 11, Ln 48 to Col. 12, Ln. 20. A first sounding reference signal (SRS) for frequence hopping specification/configuration is determined for communicating with a user equipment (UE).), and
communicating the first sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration to the user equipment (Kishiyama; Fig. 12, Col. 11, Ln 48 to Col. 12, Ln. 20. A first SRS frequence hopping specification/configuration is sent to a UE, during repetition of frequency hopping patterns.);
after the attaching with the user equipment, receiving respective first sounding reference signal reports from the user equipment, wherein the respective first sounding reference signal reports are configured according to the first sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration (Kishiyama; Fig. 12, Col. 11, Ln 48 to Col. 12, Ln. 20. After connecting with a UE, a first SRS feedback/report from a UE is received and determined in accordance with a first SRS frequency hopping specification/configuration, during repetition of frequency hopping patterns.);
in response to identifying that a power consumption of the user equipment satisfies a power limitation criterion, or that a user equipment channel condition satisfies a channel condition criterion (Kishiyama; Col. 3, Ln. 34-46. For determining that a power consumption of a UE requiring/satisfying a power limitation.),
modifying the first sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration to a second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration (Kishiyama; Fig. 12, Col. 9, Ln. 26-33, Col. 11, Ln 48 to Col. 12, Ln. 20. A first SRS frequency hopping specification/configuration is changed to a second SRS frequency hopping specification/configuration, during repetition of frequency hopping pattern, wherein frequency hopping specification indicates one of the combinations of frequency hopping bandwidths and hopping patterns such that changing hopping patterns effectively changes hopping configuration/specification.),
wherein the first sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration differs from the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration (Kishiyama; Fig. 12, Col. 9, Ln. 26-33, Col. 11, Ln 48 to Col. 12, Ln. 20. A first SRS frequency hopping specification/configurations is different from a second SRS frequency hopping specification/configuration.), and
communicating the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration to the user equipment (Kishiyama; Fig. 12, Col. 11, Ln 48 to Col. 12, Ln. 20. A second SRS frequence hopping specification/configuration is sent to a UE, during repetition of frequency hopping patterns.); and
after communicating the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration to the user equipment, receiving respective second sounding reference signal reports from the user equipment, wherein the respective second sounding reference signal reports are configured according to the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration (Kishiyama; Fig. 12, Col. 11, Ln 48 to Col. 12, Ln. 20. After connecting with a UE, a second SRS feedback/report from a UE is received and determined in accordance with a second SRS frequency hopping specification/configuration, during repetition of frequency hopping patterns.).
But Kishiyama does not specifically disclose wherein the first sounding reference signal configuration comprises a frequency domain position, a frequency domain shift, a c-srs value, a b-srs value, and a b-hop value.
However, Jacobsson teaches wherein the first sounding reference signal configuration comprises a frequency domain position, a frequency domain shift, a c-srs value, a b-srs value, and a b-hop value (Jacobsson; Para. [0036]. A SRS frequency hopping configuration includes a frequence domain position, a frequency domain shift, c-SRS, b-SRS, and b-hop parameters are communicated for respective cells.).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person with ordinary skill in the pertinent before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the RAN communication system of Kishiyama to adapt a frequency hopping approach, by incorporating Wang’s teaching wherein different frequency hopping parameters are used for SRS frequency hopping, for the motivation to perform precoder candidate restriction for multi-antenna UEs (Jacobsson; Para. [0002].).
Claim 8 is directed to a method, comprising a sequence of processing steps corresponding to the same as claimed in claim 1, and is non-patentable over the prior art for the same reason as previously indicated.
Regarding claim 9, modified Kishiyama further teaches receiving, by the system from the user equipment, an indication that the user equipment supports sounding reference signal frequency hopping in uplink communications as part of attaching to the user equipment (Kishiyama; Fig. 12, Col. 11, Ln 48 to Col. 12, Ln. 20. A specification/configuration of a UE using SRS FH is received from a UE in uplink communication, also see Col. 10, Ln. 60-64.).
Regarding claim 10, modified Kishiyama further teaches a communication that indicates a group of features supported by the user equipment for the uplink communications comprises the indication (Kishiyama; Fig. 12, Col. 11, Ln 48 to Col. 12, Ln. 20. A specification/configuration indicates different parameters for a UE is provided in an uplink, also see Col. 10, Ln. 60-64.).
Regarding claim 11, modified Kishiyama further teaches the indication comprises an information element (Kishiyama; Fig. 12, Col. 11, Ln 48 to Col. 12, Ln. 20. An indication/configuration includes information element.).
Regarding claim 12, modified Kishiyama further teaches the system facilitates a cellular network that comprises a primary cell and a group of secondary cells, and wherein communicating the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration to the user equipment comprises (Kishiyama; A base station provides a network including a main cell and neighboring cells, wherein a second SRS FH configuration is sent to a UE.):
sending, by the system to the user equipment, a first communication indicative of using the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration with the primary cell (Kishiyama; Col. 11, Ln. 38-54. A first communication for using a second SRS FH configuration is sent for a main cell.); and
sending, by the system to the user equipment, a second communication indicative of using the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration with the group of secondary cells (Kishiyama; Col. 11, Ln. 38-54. A second communication for using a second SRS FH configuration is sent for neighboring cells.).
Regarding claim 13, Kishyama discloses the system facilitates a cellular network that comprises a primary cell and a group of secondary cells, and wherein communicating the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration to the user equipment (Kishiyama; A base station provides a network including a main cell and neighboring cells, wherein a second SRS FH configuration is sent to a UE.).
But it does not specifically disclose communicating separate c-srs, b-srs, and b-hop values for the primary cell and for at least one respective secondary cell for the group of secondary cells.
However, Jacobsson teaches communicating separate c-srs, b-srs, and b-hop values for the primary cell and for at least one respective secondary cell for the group of secondary cells (Jacobsson; Para. [0036]. Separate c-SRS, b-SRS, and b-hop parameters are communicated for respective cells.).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person with ordinary skill in the pertinent before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the RAN communication system of Kishiyama to adapt a frequency hopping approach, by incorporating Wang’s teaching wherein different frequency hopping parameters are used for SRS frequency hopping, for the motivation to perform precoder candidate restriction for multi-antenna UEs (Jacobsson; Para. [0002].).
Regarding claim 14, modifed Kishiyama discloses the at least one respective secondary cell is a first secondary cell, and wherein an omitted c-srs, b-srs, or b-hop value of a second secondary cell of the group of secondary cells indicates maintaining a current c-srs, b-srs, or b-hop value (Jacobsson; Para. [0036]. Separate current c-SRS, b-SRS, and b-hop parameters are not changed/ maintained for respective cells for no update/change being received.).
Claim 15 is directed to a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution, cause a system comprising a processor to perform operations, comprising a sequence of processing steps corresponding to the same as claimed in claim 1, and is non-patentable over the prior art for the same reason as previously indicated.
Regarding claim 16, Kishiyama discloses the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration (Kishiyama; See remarks regarding claim above.).
But it does not specifically disclose the c-srs value is a first c-srs value, the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration comprises a second c-srs value, and wherein the first c-srs value and the second c-srs value differ.
However, Jacobsson teaches the c-srs value is a first c-srs value, the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration comprises a second c-srs value, and wherein the first c-srs value and the second c-srs value differ (Jacobsson; Para. [0036]. Different SRS frequency hopping configurations, e.g. a first and a second hopping configurations, are set via different PPC parameters, includes a second c-SRS, b-SRS, and b-hop parameters, differing from a first c-SRS, b-SRS, and b-hop parameters.).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person with ordinary skill in the pertinent before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the RAN communication system of Kishiyama to adapt a frequency hopping approach, by incorporating Wang’s teaching wherein different frequency hopping parameters are used for SRS frequency hopping, for the motivation to perform precoder candidate restriction for multi-antenna UEs (Jacobsson; Para. [0002].).
Regarding claim 17, Kishiyama discloses the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration (Kishiyama; See remarks regarding claim above.).
But it does not specifically disclose the b-srs value is a first b-srs value, the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration comprises a second b-srs value, and wherein the first b-srs value and the second b-srs value differ.
However, Jacobsson teaches the b-srs value is a first b-srs value, the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration comprises a second b-srs value, and wherein the first b-srs value and the second b-srs value differ (Jacobsson; Para. [0036]. Different SRS frequency hopping configurations, e.g. a first and a second hopping configurations, are set via different PPC parameters, includes a second c-SRS, b-SRS, and b-hop parameters, differing from a first c-SRS, b-SRS, and b-hop parameters.).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person with ordinary skill in the pertinent before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the RAN communication system of Kishiyama to adapt a frequency hopping approach, by incorporating Wang’s teaching wherein different frequency hopping parameters are used for SRS frequency hopping, for the motivation to perform precoder candidate restriction for multi-antenna UEs (Jacobsson; Para. [0002].).
Regarding claim 18, Kishiyama discloses the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration (Kishiyama; See remarks regarding claim above.).
But it does not specifically disclose the b-hop value is a first b-hop value, wherein the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration comprises a second b-hop value, and wherein the first b-hop value and the second b-hop value differ.
However, Jacobsson teaches the b-hop value is a first b-hop value, wherein the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration comprises a second b-hop value, and wherein the first b-hop value and the second b-hop value differ (Jacobsson; Para. [0036]. Different SRS frequency hopping configurations, e.g. a first and a second hopping configurations, are set via different PPC parameters, includes a second c-SRS, b-SRS, and b-hop parameters, differing from a first c-SRS, b-SRS, and b-hop parameters.).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person with ordinary skill in the pertinent before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the RAN communication system of Kishiyama to adapt a frequency hopping approach, by incorporating Wang’s teaching wherein different frequency hopping parameters are used for SRS frequency hopping, for the motivation to perform precoder candidate restriction for multi-antenna UEs (Jacobsson; Para. [0002].).
Claims 2-7 and 19-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kishiyama (US Pat. 8130812 B2) in view of Jacobsson (US Pub. 20250293749 A1), as applied to claims 1, 8, and 15 above, and further in view of Wang (US Pub. 20230050730 A1).
Regarding claim 2, modified Kishiyama teaches communicating the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration to the user equipment (Kishiyama; See remarks regarding claim 1 above.)
But it does not specifically disclose communicating the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration to the user equipment is performed via a medium access control element message.
However, Wang teaches communicating the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration to the user equipment is performed via a medium access control element message (Wang; Para. [0008]. A medium access control element message is used for communicating different SRS frequency hopping patterns/configurations to a UE.).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person with ordinary skill in the pertinent before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to further modify the RAN communication system of modified Kishiyama to adapt a frequency hopping approach, by incorporating Wang’s teaching wherein different control messages are used for SRS frequency hopping, for the motivation to transmit different SRS resources for achieving optimal power consumption (Wang; Abstract.).
Regarding claim 3, modified Kishiyama further teaches communicating the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration to the user equipment is performed via a downlink control information message (Wang; Para. [0008]. A downlink control information message is used for communicating different SRS frequency hopping patterns/configurations to a UE.).
Regarding claim 4, modified Kishiyama teaches the first sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration (Kishiyama; See remarks regarding claim 1 above.).
But it does not specifically disclose the first sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration corresponds to a full bandwidth of the user equipment, wherein the power consumption of the user equipment satisfies the power limitation criterion, and wherein the operations further comprise: determining that the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration corresponds to a sub-bandwidth of the user equipment based on the user equipment satisfying the power limitation criterion, and before modifying the first sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration to the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration
However, Wang teaches the first sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration corresponds to a full bandwidth of the user equipment, wherein the power consumption of the user equipment satisfies the power limitation criterion, and wherein the operations further comprise (Wang; Para. [0148]. A first SRS frequency hopping (FH) pattern/configuration corresponds to a full bandwidth of a UE in accordance with a UE power consumption satisfying a criterion.):
determining that the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration corresponds to a sub-bandwidth of the user equipment based on the user equipment satisfying the power limitation criterion, and before modifying the first sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration to the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration (Wang; Para. [0148]. A SRS FH pattern/configuration is determined to be correspond to a narrowband/sub-band of a UE in accordance with a UE power consumption satisfying a criterion before change a first SRS FH configuration to a second SRS FH configuration.).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person with ordinary skill in the pertinent before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to further modify the RAN communication system of modified Kishiyama to adapt a frequency hopping approach, by incorporating Wang’s teaching wherein different control messages are used for SRS frequency hopping, for the motivation to transmit different SRS resources for achieving optimal power consumption (Wang; Abstract.).
Regarding claim 5, modified Kishiyama teaches the first sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration (Kishiyama; See remarks regarding claim 1 above.).
But it does not specifically disclose the first sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration corresponds to a full bandwidth of the user equipment, wherein the user equipment channel condition satisfies the channel condition criterion, and wherein the operations further comprise: determining that the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration corresponds to a sub-bandwidth of the user equipment based on the user equipment channel condition satisfying the power limitation criterion, and before modifying the first sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration to the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration.
However, Wang teaches the first sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration corresponds to a full bandwidth of the user equipment, wherein the user equipment channel condition satisfies the channel condition criterion, and wherein the operations further comprise (Wang; Para. [0148]. A first SRS frequency hopping (FH) pattern/configuration corresponds to a full bandwidth of a UE in accordance with a UE channel condition satisfying a criterion, also see Para. [0145].):
determining that the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration corresponds to a sub-bandwidth of the user equipment based on the user equipment channel condition satisfying the power limitation criterion, and before modifying the first sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration to the second sounding reference signal frequency hopping configuration (Wang; Para. [0148]. A SRS FH pattern/configuration is determined to be correspond to a narrowband/sub-band of a UE in accordance with a UE channel condition satisfying a criterion before change a first SRS FH configuration to a second SRS FH configuration, also see Para. [0145].).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person with ordinary skill in the pertinent before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to further modify the RAN communication system of modified Kishiyama to adapt a frequency hopping approach, by incorporating Wang’s teaching wherein different control messages are used for SRS frequency hopping, for the motivation to transmit different SRS resources for achieving optimal power consumption (Wang; Abstract.).
Regarding claim 6, modified Kishiyama teaches the channel condition criterion corresponds to a defined high mobility status of the user equipment (Wang; Para. [0165]. A channel condition includes a range of subbands corresponding to a high/higher mobility status of a UE.).
Regarding claim 7, modified Kishiyama further teaches the channel condition criterion corresponds to a physical location of the user equipment being located at a cell edge of a cellular network that is facilitated by the system (Wang; Para. [0110]. A channel condition criterion corresponds to a UE located at a cell edge.).
Regarding claim 19, modified Kishiyama further teaches the criterion corresponds to a power consumption of the user equipment (Wang; Para. [0145, 148]. A criterion corresponds to a power consumption of a UE, also see Para. [0165].).
Regarding claim 20, modified Kishiyama further teaches the criterion corresponds to a user equipment channel condition that corresponds to the user equipment (Wang; Para. [0145, 148]. A criterion corresponds to a channel condition of a UE, also see Para. [0165].).
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Ji (US Pub. 20230111063 A1) teaches a communication system that transmits and receives reference signal.
Oh (US Pub. 20220231808 A1) teaches a communication system that performs measurement and reporting in wireless communication.
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ALBERT KIR whose telephone number is (571)272-6245. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Jay Patel can be reached at (571) 272-2988. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/ALBERT KIR/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2485
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