Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 04, 2026
Application No. 18/423,504

COMMUNICATION PROCESSING METHOD AND COMMUNICATION PROCESSING APPARATUS

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Jan 26, 2024
Priority
Jul 29, 2021 — CN 202110864933.5 +1 more
Examiner
LALCHINTHANG, VANNEILIAN
Art Unit
2414
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
OA Round
2 (Final)
79%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
0m
Est. Remaining
93%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 79% — above average
79%
Career Allowance Rate
339 granted / 427 resolved
+21.4% vs TC avg
Moderate +13% lift
Without
With
+13.4%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 8m
Avg Prosecution
22 currently pending
Career history
450
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
4.0%
-36.0% vs TC avg
§103
80.0%
+40.0% vs TC avg
§102
2.6%
-37.4% vs TC avg
§112
6.2%
-33.8% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 427 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . The response filed on 07/08/2026 has been entered and made of record. Claims 1, 12, 14 and 18 have been amended. Claims 1-20 are currently pending. Response to Arguments Applicant's arguments filed 07/08/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Claim 1, the applicant argued that Back fails to teach or suggest, at least, "the first tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a relationship between the first tone reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part (BWP) or a first beam," as recited in claim 1. Applicants respectfully submit that the Freda fails to teach or suggest the claimed feature. In response to applicant’s argument, the examiner respectfully disagrees with the above argument. As shown in Fig.1&14-15, newly added Asjadi clearly teaches that a reserved carrier pattern i.e., tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of reserved carrier patterns based on a relationship between the reserved carrier pattern and bandwidth i.e., a first bandwidth part by using the tone reservation algorithm since a reference kernel with the highest primary to secondary peak power ratio is chosen as the optimized set of reserved subcarriers/reserved subcarrier pattern in the set of reserved subcarriers selection process (see Asjadi, Fig.1-2 page 9 lines 11-14 and Fig.1&14-16 page 11 lines 6-26). Additionally, Back discloses the first tone reservation pattern of the number of reserved tones pattern is selected in consideration of an SL signal based on a relationship between the first tone reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part (BWP) in the SL resources since a UE is receiving a configuration for the SL BWP from the BW network for selecting the first tone reservation pattern of the plurality of tone reservation pattern based on the SL signal in the specific BWP, whereby selection based on a relationship between the reserved tones/first tone reservation pattern and the first BWP in the SL resources e.g., a carrier frequency is associated with a particular bandwidth (see Back, Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-19, Fig.41 Col 46 lines 13-23 and Fig.43 Col 48 lines 1-19). Additionally, Freda discloses a pattern of a periodic resource reservation i.e., a first tone or carrier reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of tone reserved resources patterns based on a relationship between a first tone or carrier reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part since a WTRU is determining any of a size, period, or pattern of a periodic resource reservation based on information associated with any of the following: (1) a channel bandwidth; (2) a WTRU capability; (3) a CBR, for example, a measured CBR of a current channel; (4) a number of any of: carriers, BWPs, or similar (see Freda, Fig.1A-D&2 Col 21 lines 24-34 and Fig.1A-D&2 Col 22 lines 27-31). Freda also discloses a pattern of a periodic resource reservation i.e., tone or carrier reservation pattern is selected based on information associated with BWPs i.e., a relationship between a first tone or carrier reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part and carriers since an SCI for reservation of any of multiple or indefinite resources contains any of time, frequency or beam resources to be reserved i.e., a relationship with a first beam, whereby selection of a resource reservation procedure i.e., tone or carrier reservation pattern is based on a measured CBR for any of a resource pool, a carrier and a BWP i.e., a first bandwidth part related to a first tone or carrier reservation pattern (see Freda, Fig.1A-D&2 Col 17 lines 46-57, Fig.1A-D&2 Col 18 lines 12-28 and Fig.1A-D&2 Col 19 lines 52-63). Claims 14 and 18, Applicant make arguments the same argument as in claim 1. Please see the above for examiner’s response. In response to applicant's arguments against the references individually, one cannot show nonobviousness by attacking references individually where the rejections are based on combinations of references. See In re Keller, 642 F.2d 413, 208 USPQ 871 (CCPA 1981); In re Merck & Co., 800 F.2d 1091, 231 USPQ 375 (Fed. Cir. 1986). Claim 12, the applicant argued that Back fails to teach or suggest, at least, "obtaining a fifth tone reservation pattern by puncturing, by the first communication device, an overlapping reserved carrier in the first tone reservation pattern, wherein the first communication device communicates the reference signal on the overlapping reserved carrier." In response to applicant’s argument, the examiner respectfully disagrees with the above argument. As shown in Fig.43-44, Back clearly teaches that the UE first communication device is obtaining a fifth tone reservation pattern of the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones by rate matching i.e., puncturing and an overlapping reserved carrier in the pattern of the reserved tones/first tone reservation pattern (see Back, Fig.15-16 Col 22 lines 36-48, Fig.33 Col 40 lines 48-59 and Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19). Back also discloses that the UE first communication device is communicating the reference signal on the overlapping of a reserved carrier in the first tone reservation pattern since a reserved carrier in the first tone reservation pattern overlaps a carrier on the UE first communication device used for communicating the reference signal (see Back, Fig.15-16 Col 22 lines 1-48 and Fig.23 Col 31 lines 31-67 to Col 32 lines 1-3). Claim Objections Claim 12 is objected to because of the following informalities: In claim 12, lines 10, the occurrence of "signal,;" should be "--- signal; ----" Appropriate corrections are required. 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 of this title, 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 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Back et al. [hereinafter as Back], US 12,160,838 B2 in view of Freda et al. [hereinafter as Freda], US 11,758,439 B2 further in view of Asjadi et al. [hereinafter as Asjadi], WO 2014/177839 A1. Regarding claim 1, Back discloses wherein a communication processing method (Fig.7 Col 13 lines 55-65, a data communication processing method and Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-27, an SL signal/data signal communication processing method), comprising: determining, by a first communication device, a first tone reservation pattern (Fig.43 Col 48 lines 1-9, a UE is determining a pattern of the reserved tones i.e., a first tone reservation pattern); and communicating, by the first communication device, a data signal by using the first tone reservation pattern (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 8-19, the UE is transmitting/communication an SL signal i.e., a data signal by using the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern and Fig.44 Col 48 lines 49-54, the SL signal includes the SL control signal and the SL data signal i.e., data signal), wherein the first tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a relationship between the first tone reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part (BWP) or a first beam (Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-19 & Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 1-19, the first tone reservation pattern of the number of reserved tones is selected in consideration of an SL signal based on a relationship between the first tone reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part (BWP) in the SL resources and, a receiving UE may receive the SL signal in the specific BWP e.g., a UE may receive a configuration for the SL BWP from the BS/network, Noted: selecting the pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern based on the SL signal in the specific BWP i.e., a first bandwidth part and carriers and Fig.41 Col 46 lines 13-23, a relationship between the reserved tones/first tone reservation pattern and the first BWP in the SL resources e.g., a carrier frequency is associated with a particular bandwidth), and the data signal, between the first communication device and a second communication device, is communicated using the first bandwidth part or the first beam (Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-19, the SL signal i.e., data signal between the UE/first communication device and a BS/network, is communicated using the specific BWP i.e., first bandwidth part defined for the SL signal and Fig.7 Col 13 lines 55-65, data communication is conducted in an activated BWP, a carrier may include up to N e.g., 5 BWPs). Even though Back discloses wherein the first tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a relationship between the first tone reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part (BWP) or a first beam, in the same field of endeavor, Freda teaches wherein the first tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a relationship between the first tone reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part (BWP) or a first beam (Fig.1A-D&2 Col 21 lines 24-34 & Col 22 lines 27-31, a pattern of a periodic resource reservation i.e., tone or carrier reservation pattern is selected based on information associated with BWPs i.e., a relationship between a first tone or carrier reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part and carriers and Fig.1A-D&2 Col 19 lines 52-63, an SCI for reservation of any of multiple or indefinite resources contains any of time, frequency or beam resources to be reserved i.e., a relationship with a first beam and Fig.1A-D&2 Col 18 lines 12-28, a WTRU is selecting a resource reservation procedure i.e., tone or carrier reservation pattern based on a measured CBR for any of a resource pool, a carrier and a BWP i.e., a first bandwidth part related to a first tone or carrier reservation pattern). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to provide to have modified Back to incorporate the teaching of Freda in order to achieve the desired functionality. It would have been beneficial to use a pattern of a periodic resource reservation i.e., tone or carrier reservation pattern which is determined based on information associated with BWPs i.e., a first bandwidth part and carriers and an SCI for reservation of any of multiple or indefinite resources that contains any of time, frequency or beam resources to be reserved as taught by Freda to have incorporated in the system of Back to provide for additional coverage and throughput for servicing the WTRUs. (Freda, Fig.1A-D&2 Col 11 lines 40-44, Fig.1A-D&2 Col 18 lines 12-28, Fig.1A-D&2 Col 19 lines 52-63 and Fig.1A-D&2 Col 21 lines 24-34 & Col 22 lines 27-31) Even though Back and Freda disclose wherein the first tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a relationship between the first tone reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part (BWP) or a first beam, in the same field of endeavor, Asjadi teaches wherein the first tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a relationship between the first tone reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part (BWP) or a first beam (Fig.1&14-16 page 11 lines 6-26, a reserved carrier pattern i.e., tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of reserved carrier patterns based on a relationship between the reserved carrier pattern and bandwidth i.e., a first bandwidth part by using the tone reservation algorithm and Fig.2 page 9 lines 11-14, a reference kernel with the highest primary to secondary peak power ratio is chosen as the optimized set of reserved subcarriers/reserved subcarrier pattern for set of reserved subcarriers selection process). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to provide to have modified Back and Freda to incorporate the teaching of Asjadi in order to achieve equivalent performance. It would have been beneficial to select a reserved carrier pattern i.e., tone reservation pattern from a plurality of reserved carrier patterns based on a relationship between the reserved carrier pattern and bandwidth i.e., a first bandwidth part by using the tone reservation algorithm as taught by Asjadi to have incorporated in the system of Back and Freda to provide for an improved robustness to multipath fading and inter symbol interference. (Asjadi, Fig.1 page 4 lines 27-28, Fig.2 page 9 lines 11-14 and Fig.1&14-16 page 11 lines 6-26) Regarding claim 2, Back, Freda and Asjadi disclosed all the elements of claim 1 as stated above wherein Back further discloses determining the first tone reservation pattern comprises: obtaining, by the first communication device, first configuration information indicating the first tone reservation pattern corresponding to the first bandwidth part (Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-53, receiving a first configuration information indicating the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern corresponding to the BWP/ first bandwidth part and Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19); and determining, by the first communication device, the first tone reservation pattern based on the first configuration information (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19, determining the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern related to the first configuration information and Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-53). Regarding claim 3, Back, Freda and Asjadi disclosed all the elements of claim 1 as stated above wherein Back further discloses determining the first tone reservation pattern comprises: determining, by the first communication device, the first tone reservation pattern corresponding to the first bandwidth part (Fig.43 Col 48 lines 1-9, the pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern of the number of reserved tones is determined in consideration of an SL signal and Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-19, the SL signal in the specific BWP e.g., a UE may receive a configuration for the SL BWP from the BS/network, for determining the pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern based on the SL signal in the specific BWP), wherein the first tone reservation pattern is determined from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a first mapping relationship (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19, the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern is determined form a plurality of the pattern of the reserved tones based on a first mapping relationship and Fig.21 Col 25 lines 15-18), and the first mapping relationship is between a tone reservation pattern and a bandwidth part (Fig.21 Col 25 lines 15-18, the first mapping relationship is between a tone reservation pattern and a bandwidth part and Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-53, the BWP/ first bandwidth part and Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19). Regarding claim 4, Back, Freda and Asjadi disclosed all the elements of claim 1 as stated above wherein Back further discloses determining the first tone reservation pattern comprises: determining, by the first communication device, the first tone reservation pattern corresponding to the first beam pattern (Fig.43 Col 48 lines 1-9, a UE is determining a pattern of the reserved tones i.e., a first tone reservation pattern corresponding to the beamforming/first beam pattern and Fig.21 Col 27 lines 52-59), wherein the first tone reservation pattern is determined from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a second mapping relationship (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19, the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern is determined from a plurality of the pattern of the reserved tones based on a second mapping relationship and Fig.21 Col 25 lines 35-38), and the second mapping relationship is between a tone reservation pattern and a beam (Fig.21 Col 25 lines 35-38, the second mapping relationship is between a tone reservation pattern and a beam and Fig.21 Col 27 lines 52-59). Regarding claim 5, Back, Freda and Asjadi disclosed all the elements of claim 1 as stated above wherein Back further discloses determining the first tone reservation pattern comprises: determining, by the first communication device the first tone reservation pattern corresponding to the first bandwidth part (Fig.43 Col 48 lines 1-9, the pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern of the number of reserved tones is determined in consideration of an SL signal and Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-19, the SL signal in the specific BWP e.g., a UE may receive a configuration for the SL BWP from the BS/network, for determining the pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern based on the SL signal in the specific BWP), wherein the first tone reservation pattern is determined from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a third mapping relationship (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19, the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern is determined from a plurality of the pattern of the reserved tones based on a third mapping relationship and Fig.21 Col 25 lines 54-57), and the third mapping relationship is between a tone reservation pattern and a plurality of bandwidth parts corresponding to each of a plurality of beams (Fig.21 Col 25 lines 54-57, the third mapping relationship is between a tone reservation pattern and BWPs corresponding to a beam and Fig.29 Col 37 lines 50-59, a plurality of bandwidth parts (BWPs) and Fig.21 Col 27 lines 52-59). Regarding claim 6, Back, Freda and Asjadi disclosed all the elements of claim 1 as stated above wherein Back further discloses a reference signal is communicated between the first communication device and the second communication device by using a first reference signal pattern (Fig.27 Col 34 lines 16-22, a reference signal is communicated between the UE/first communication device and the gNB second communication device by using a RSTD first reference signal pattern); and determining the first tone reservation pattern comprises: determining, by the first communication device, a tone reservation pattern corresponding to the first reference signal pattern (Fig.43 Col 48 lines 1-9, the pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern of the number of reserved tones is determined the RSTD first reference signal pattern and Fig.27 Col 34 lines 16-22), wherein the tone reservation pattern corresponding to the first reference signal pattern is determined from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a fourth mapping relationship and the first bandwidth part (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19, the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern is determined from a plurality of the pattern of the reserved tones based on a fourth mapping relationship and the BWP first bandwidth part and Fig.21 Col 25 lines 54-57 and Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-53), and the fourth mapping relationship is between a tone reservation pattern and a reference signal pattern and the fourth mapping relationship is used when the first communication device and the second communication device use each of a plurality of bandwidth parts (Fig.21 Col 25 lines 54-57, the fourth mapping relationship is between a tone reservation pattern and Fig.27 Col 34 lines 16-22 and Fig.29 Col 37 lines 50-59, using each of a plurality of bandwidth parts (BWPs) between the UE first communication device and the gNB/ BS network second communication device). Regarding claim 7, Back, Freda and Asjadi disclosed all the elements of claim 1 as stated above wherein Back further discloses before the determining the first tone reservation pattern, the method further comprises: determining, by the first communication device, whether to communicate the data signal by using a tone reservation pattern (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19, determining the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern whether to communicate the SL signal/data signal by using pattern of the reserved tones); and in association with the first communication device determining to communicate the data signal by using the tone reservation pattern, performing determining the first tone reservation pattern (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19, in association with the UE first communication device determining to communicate the SL signal/data signal by using the pattern of the reserved tones/one reservation pattern, performing determining the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern and Fig.44 Col 48 lines 49-54, the SL signal includes the SL control signal and the SL data signal i.e., data signal). Regarding claim 8, Back, Freda and Asjadi disclosed all the elements of claim 7 as stated above wherein Back further discloses determining whether to communicate the data signal by using the tone reservation pattern comprises: obtaining, by the first communication device, first indication information (Fig.12 Col 16 lines 38-42, receiving a first indication information of resource pool from the BS/network); and determining, by the first communication device and based on the first indication information, whether to communicate the data signal by using the tone reservation pattern (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19, determining the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern based on the first indication information, whether to communicate the SL signal/data signal by using pattern of the reserved tones and Fig.12 Col 16 lines 38-42). Regarding claim 9, Back, Freda and Asjadi disclosed all the elements of claim 1 as stated above wherein Back further discloses in association with the first communication device and the second communication device switching from the first bandwidth part to a second bandwidth part (Fig.29-30 Col 37 lines 41-59, in association with the UE first communication device and the gNB/BS second communication device shifting/changing switching from the BWP1/first bandwidth part to a BWP2/second bandwidth part of a plurality of BWPs), the method further comprises: determining, by the first communication device, a second tone reservation pattern based on the second bandwidth part (Fig.43 Col 48 lines 1-9, a UE is determining a pattern of the reserved tones i.e., a second tone reservation pattern based on the BWP2/second bandwidth part of a plurality of bandwidth parts and Fig.29 Col 37 lines 50-59 and Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-19); and communicating, by the first communication device, the data signal based on the second tone reservation pattern (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-29, the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern is determined from a plurality of the pattern of the reserved tones communicating the SL signal/data signal based on the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the second tone reservation pattern of a plurality of the pattern of the reserved tones). Regarding claim 10, Back, Freda and Asjadi disclosed all the elements of claim 1 as stated above wherein Back further discloses in association with the first communication device and the second communication device switching from the first beam to a second beam, the method further comprises: correspondingly determining, by the first communication device, a third tone reservation pattern based on the second beam (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-29, the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the third tone reservation pattern is correspondingly determined from a plurality of the pattern of the reserved tones based on the second beam and Fig.21 Col 27 lines 52-59); and communicating, by the first communication device, the data signal based on the second tone reservation pattern (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-29, communicating the SL signal/data signal based on the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the second tone reservation pattern of a plurality of the pattern of the reserved tones). Regarding claim 11, Back, Freda and Asjadi disclosed all the elements of claim 1 as stated above wherein Back further discloses the first beam corresponds to the first bandwidth part and a third bandwidth part (Fig.21 Col 27 lines 52-59, the beamforming/first beam pattern corresponds to the BWP1/first bandwidth part and a BWP3/third bandwidth part of a plurality of bandwidth parts (BWPs) and Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-53), the first bandwidth part corresponds to the first tone reservation pattern, the third bandwidth part corresponds to a fourth tone reservation pattern (Fig.21 Col 27 lines 52-59, the BWP1/first bandwidth part corresponds to the first tone reservation pattern, the BWP3/third bandwidth part corresponds to a fourth tone reservation pattern and Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19), and in association with the first communication device and the second communication device switching, on the first beam, from the first bandwidth part to the third bandwidth part (Fig.29-30 Col 37 lines 41-59, in association with the UE first communication device and the gNB/BS second communication device shifting/changing switching from the BWP1/first bandwidth part to a BWP3/third bandwidth part of a plurality of BWPs), the method further comprises: determining, by the first communication device, the fourth tone reservation pattern based on the third bandwidth part (Fig.43 Col 48 lines 1-9, a UE is determining a pattern of the reserved tones i.e., a fourth tone reservation pattern based on the BWP3/third bandwidth part of a plurality of bandwidth parts and Fig.29 Col 37 lines 50-59 and Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-19); and communicating, by the first communication device, the data signal based on the fourth tone reservation pattern (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-29, communicating the SL signal/data signal based on the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the fourth tone reservation pattern of a plurality of the pattern of the reserved tones). Regarding claim 12, Back, Freda and Asjadi disclosed all the elements of claim 1 as stated above wherein Back further discloses when, on a same time domain resource, a reserved carrier in the first tone reservation pattern overlaps a carrier on the first communication device used for communicating the reference signal, communicating the data signal by using the first tone reservation pattern comprises (Fig.15-16 Col 22 lines 1-48, on a same time domain resource, a reserved carrier in the first tone reservation pattern overlaps a carrier on the UE first communication device used for communicating the reference signal and Fig.27 Col 34 lines 16-22 and Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-29, communicating the SL signal/data signal by using the pattern of the reserved tones/first tone reservation pattern comprises): obtaining a fifth tone reservation pattern by puncturing, by the first communication device, an overlapping reserved carrier in the first tone reservation pattern (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19, obtaining the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones/fifth tone reservation pattern by rate matching i.e., puncturing and Fig.33 Col 40 lines 48-59 and Fig.15-16 Col 22 lines 36-48, an overlapping reserved carrier in the pattern of the reserved tones/first tone reservation pattern), wherein the first communication device communicates the reference signal on the overlapping reserved carrier (Fig.15-16 Col 22 lines 1-48, the UE first communication device is communicating the reference signal on the overlapping of a reserved carrier in the first tone reservation pattern and Fig.23 Col 31 lines 31-67 to Col 32 lines 1-3), the overlapping reserved carrier is in the first tone reservation pattern and overlaps the carrier used for communicating the reference signal (Fig.15-16 Col 22 lines 36-48, an overlapping reserved carrier is in the pattern of the reserved tones/first tone reservation pattern and Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19 and Fig.43-44 Col 19 lines 13-36, overlaps the resources carrier used for communicating the SL reference signal received power measurement of the specific resources),; and communicating, by the first communication device, the data signal based on the fifth tone reservation pattern (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-29, communicating the SL signal/data signal based on the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the fourth tone reservation pattern of a plurality of the pattern of the reserved tones). Regarding claim 13, Back, Freda and Asjadi disclosed all the elements of claim 1 as stated above wherein Back further discloses obtaining, by the first communication device, second configuration information (Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 44-56, receiving a second configuration information), wherein the second configuration information includes at least one of: the plurality of tone reservation patterns, indexes of the plurality of tone reservation patterns, the mapping relationship between a tone reservation pattern and a reference signal pattern when the first communication device uses each of the plurality of bandwidth parts (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19, the mapping relationship between the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., a tone reservation pattern and a reference signal pattern when the UE first communication device uses each of the BWPs/plurality of bandwidth parts and Fig.21 Col 25 lines 54-57 and Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-53), the mapping relationship between a tone reservation pattern and a bandwidth part (Fig.21 Col 25 lines 15-18, the first mapping relationship is between a tone reservation pattern and a bandwidth part and Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-53, the BWP/ first bandwidth part and Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19), the mapping relationship between a tone reservation pattern and a beam (Fig.21 Col 25 lines 35-38, the second mapping relationship is between a tone reservation pattern and a beam and Fig.21 Col 27 lines 52-59), and the mapping relationship between a tone reservation pattern and a plurality of bandwidth parts corresponding to a beam (Fig.21 Col 25 lines 54-57, the third mapping relationship is between a tone reservation pattern and BWPs corresponding to a beam and Fig.29 Col 37 lines 50-59, a plurality of bandwidth parts (BWPs) and Fig.21 Col 27 lines 52-59). Regarding claim 14, Back discloses wherein a communication processing method (Fig.7 Col 13 lines 55-65, a data communication processing method and Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-27, an SL signal/data signal communication processing method), comprising: determining, by a second communication device, a first tone reservation pattern (Fig.43 Col 48 lines 1-9, a network equipment/second communication device is determining a pattern of the reserved tones i.e., a first tone reservation pattern and Fig.44 Col 49 lines 1-16); and communicating, by the second communication device, a data signal by using the first tone reservation pattern (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 8-19, network equipment/second communication device is transmitting/communication an SL signal i.e., a data signal by using the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern and Fig.44 Col 48 lines 49-54, the SL signal includes the SL control signal and the SL data signal i.e., data signal), wherein the first tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a relationship between the first tone reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part (BWP), or a first beam (Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-19 & Fig.43 Col 48 lines 1-19, the first tone reservation pattern of the number of reserved tones is selected in consideration of an SL signal based on a relationship between the first tone reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part (BWP) in the SL resource and, a transmitting UE may transmit the SL signal in the specific BWP e.g., the BS/network is transmitting a configuration for the SL BWP, Noted: selecting the pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern based on the SL signal in the specific BWP i.e., a first bandwidth part and carriers and Fig.41 Col 46 lines 13-23, a relationship between the reserved tones/first tone reservation pattern and the first BWP in the SL resources e.g., a carrier frequency is associated with a particular bandwidth), and the data signal, between a first communication device and the second communication device, is communicated using the first bandwidth part or the first beam (Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-19, the SL signal i.e., data signal between the UE/first communication device and a BS/network, is communicated using the specific BWP i.e., first bandwidth part defined for the SL signal and Fig.7 Col 13 lines 55-65, data communication is conducted in an activated BWP, a carrier may include up to N e.g., 5 BWPs). Even though Back discloses wherein the first tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a relationship between the first tone reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part (BWP), or a first beam, in the same field of endeavor, Freda teaches wherein the first tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a relationship between the first tone reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part (BWP), or a first beam (Fig.1A-D&2 Col 21 lines 24-34 & Col 22 lines 27-31, a pattern of a periodic resource reservation i.e., tone or carrier reservation pattern is selected based on information associated with BWPs i.e., a relationship between a first tone or carrier reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part and carriers and Fig.1A-D&2 Col 19 lines 52-63, an SCI for reservation of any of multiple or indefinite resources contains any of time, frequency or beam resources to be reserved i.e., a relationship with a first beam and Fig.1A-D&2 Col 18 lines 12-28, a WTRU is selecting a resource reservation procedure i.e., tone or carrier reservation pattern based on a measured CBR for any of a resource pool, a carrier and a BWP i.e., a first bandwidth part i.e., a first bandwidth part related to a first tone or carrier reservation pattern). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to provide to have modified Back to incorporate the teaching of Freda in order to achieve the desired functionality. It would have been beneficial to use a pattern of a periodic resource reservation i.e., tone or carrier reservation pattern which is determined based on information associated with BWPs i.e., a first bandwidth part and carriers and an SCI for reservation of any of multiple or indefinite resources that contains any of time, frequency or beam resources to be reserved as taught by Freda to have incorporated in the system of Back to provide for additional coverage and throughput for servicing the WTRUs. (Freda, Fig.1A-D&2 Col 11 lines 40-44, Fig.1A-D&2 Col 18 lines 12-28, Fig.1A-D&2 Col 19 lines 52-63 and Fig.1A-D&2 Col 21 lines 24-34 & Col 22 lines 27-31) Even though Back and Freda disclose wherein the first tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a relationship between the first tone reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part (BWP) or a first beam, in the same field of endeavor, Asjadi teaches wherein the first tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a relationship between the first tone reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part (BWP) or a first beam (Fig.1&14-16 page 11 lines 6-26, a reserved carrier pattern i.e., tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of reserved carrier patterns based on a relationship between the reserved carrier pattern and bandwidth i.e., a first bandwidth part by using the tone reservation algorithm and Fig.2 page 9 lines 11-14, a reference kernel with the highest primary to secondary peak power ratio is chosen as the optimized set of reserved subcarriers/reserved subcarrier pattern for set of reserved subcarriers selection process). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to provide to have modified Back and Freda to incorporate the teaching of Asjadi in order to achieve equivalent performance. It would have been beneficial to select a reserved carrier pattern i.e., tone reservation pattern from a plurality of reserved carrier patterns based on a relationship between the reserved carrier pattern and bandwidth i.e., a first bandwidth part by using the tone reservation algorithm as taught by Asjadi to have incorporated in the system of Back and Freda to provide for an improved robustness to multipath fading and inter symbol interference. (Asjadi, Fig.1 page 4 lines 27-28 and Fig.1&14-16 page 11 lines 6-26) Regarding claim 15, Back, Freda and Asjadi disclosed all the elements of claim 14 as stated above wherein Back further discloses sending, by the second communication device, first configuration information to the first communication device, wherein the first configuration information indicates the first tone reservation pattern corresponding to the first bandwidth part (Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-53, transmitting a first configuration information indicating the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern corresponding to the BWP/ first bandwidth part and Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19). Regarding claim 16, Back, Freda and Asjadi disclosed all the elements of claim 14 as stated above wherein Back further discloses sending, by the second communication device, first indication information to the first communication device (Fig.12 Col 16 lines 38-42, transmitting a first indication information of resource pool to the UE first communication device), wherein the first indication information indicates whether to communicate the data signal by using a tone reservation pattern (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19, the first indication information indicates, whether to communicate the SL signal/data signal by using pattern of the reserved tones and Fig.12 Col 16 lines 38-42). Regarding claim 17, Back, Freda and Asjadi disclosed all the elements of claim 14 as stated above wherein Back further discloses sending, by the second communication device, second configuration information to the first communication device (Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 44-56, transmitting a second configuration information to the UE first communication device), wherein the second configuration information includes at least one of: a plurality of tone reservation patterns, indexes of the plurality of tone reservation patterns, a mapping relationship between the tone reservation pattern and a reference signal pattern when the first communication device and the second communication device use each of a plurality of bandwidth parts (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19, the mapping relationship between the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., a tone reservation pattern and a reference signal pattern when the UE first communication device uses each of the BWPs/plurality of bandwidth parts and Fig.21 Col 25 lines 54-57 and Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-53), a mapping relationship between the tone reservation pattern and a bandwidth part (Fig.21 Col 25 lines 15-18, the first mapping relationship is between a tone reservation pattern and a bandwidth part and Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-53, the BWP/ first bandwidth part and Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19), a mapping relationship between the tone reservation pattern and a beam (Fig.21 Col 25 lines 35-38, the second mapping relationship is between a tone reservation pattern and a beam and Fig.21 Col 27 lines 52-59), and a mapping relationship between the tone reservation pattern and a plurality of bandwidth parts corresponding to a beam (Fig.21 Col 25 lines 54-57, the third mapping relationship is between a tone reservation pattern and BWPs corresponding to a beam and Fig.29 Col 37 lines 50-59, a plurality of bandwidth parts (BWPs) and Fig.21 Col 27 lines 52-59). Regarding claim 18, Back discloses wherein a first communication device (Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-27, a UE/first communication device and Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 8-19), comprising: processing circuitry configured to determine a first tone reservation pattern (Fig.46 Col 53 lines 51-64, processors 102 and Fig.43 Col 48 lines 1-9, processor/processing circuitry of the UE is determining a pattern of the reserved tones i.e., a first tone reservation pattern); and a transceiver configured to communicate a data signal by using the first tone reservation pattern (Fig.46 Col 53 lines 51-64, transceivers 106 and Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 8-19, a transceiver of the UE is transmitting/communication an SL signal i.e., a data signal by using the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern and Fig.44 Col 48 lines 49-54, the SL signal includes the SL control signal and the SL data signal i.e., data signal), wherein the first tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a relationship between the first tone reservation and a first bandwidth part (BWP) or a first beam (Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-19 & Fig.43 Col 48 lines 1-19, the first tone reservation pattern of the number of reserved tones is selected in consideration of an SL signal based on a relationship between the first tone reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part (BWP) in the SL resources and, a receiving UE may receive the SL signal in the specific BWP e.g., a UE may receive a configuration for the SL BWP from the BS/network, Noted: selecting the pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern based on the SL signal in the specific BWP i.e., a first bandwidth part and carriers and Fig.41 Col 46 lines 13-23, a relationship between the reserved tones/first tone reservation pattern and the first BWP in the SL resources e.g., a carrier frequency is associated with a particular bandwidth), and the data signal, between the first communication device and a second communication device, is communicated using the first bandwidth part or the first beam (Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-19, the SL signal i.e., data signal between the UE/first communication device and a BS/network, is communicated using the specific BWP i.e., first bandwidth part defined for the SL signal and Fig.7 Col 13 lines 55-65, data communication is conducted in an activated BWP, a carrier may include up to N e.g., 5 BWPs). Even though Back discloses wherein the first tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a relationship between the first tone reservation and a first bandwidth part (BWP), or a first beam, in the same field of endeavor, Freda teaches wherein the first tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a relationship between the first tone reservation and a first bandwidth part (BWP), or a first beam (Fig.1A-D&2 Col 21 lines 24-34 & Col 22 lines 27-31, a pattern of a periodic resource reservation i.e., tone or carrier reservation pattern is selected based on information associated with BWPs i.e., a relationship between a first tone or carrier reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part and carriers and Fig.1A-D&2 Col 19 lines 52-63, an SCI for reservation of any of multiple or indefinite resources contains any of time, frequency or beam resources to be reserved i.e., a relationship with a first beam and Fig.1A-D&2 Col 18 lines 12-28, a WTRU is selecting a resource reservation procedure i.e., tone or carrier reservation pattern based on a measured CBR for any of a resource pool, a carrier and a BWP i.e., a first bandwidth part related to a first tone or carrier reservation pattern). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to provide to have modified Back to incorporate the teaching of Freda in order to achieve the desired functionality. It would have been beneficial to use a pattern of a periodic resource reservation i.e., tone or carrier reservation pattern which is determined based on information associated with BWPs i.e., a first bandwidth part and carriers and an SCI for reservation of any of multiple or indefinite resources that contains any of time, frequency or beam resources to be reserved as taught by Freda to have incorporated in the system of Back to provide for additional coverage and throughput for servicing the WTRUs. (Freda, Fig.1A-D&2 Col 11 lines 40-44, Fig.1A-D&2 Col 18 lines 12-28, Fig.1A-D&2 Col 19 lines 52-63 and Fig.1A-D&2 Col 21 lines 24-34 & Col 22 lines 27-31) Even though Back and Freda disclose wherein the first tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a relationship between the first tone reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part (BWP) or a first beam, in the same field of endeavor, Asjadi teaches wherein the first tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a relationship between the first tone reservation pattern and a first bandwidth part (BWP) or a first beam (Fig.1&14-16 page 11 lines 6-26, a reserved carrier pattern i.e., tone reservation pattern is selected from a plurality of reserved carrier patterns based on a relationship between the reserved carrier pattern and bandwidth i.e., a first bandwidth part by using the tone reservation algorithm and Fig.2 page 9 lines 11-14, a reference kernel with the highest primary to secondary peak power ratio is chosen as the optimized set of reserved subcarriers/reserved subcarrier pattern for set of reserved subcarriers selection process). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to provide to have modified Back and Freda to incorporate the teaching of Asjadi in order to achieve equivalent performance. It would have been beneficial to select a reserved carrier pattern i.e., tone reservation pattern from a plurality of reserved carrier patterns based on a relationship between the reserved carrier pattern and bandwidth i.e., a first bandwidth part by using the tone reservation algorithm as taught by Asjadi to have incorporated in the system of Back and Freda to provide for an improved robustness to multipath fading and inter symbol interference. (Asjadi, Fig.1 page 4 lines 27-28 and Fig.1&14-16 page 11 lines 6-26) Regarding claim 19, Back, Freda and Asjadi disclosed all the elements of claim 18 as stated above wherein Back further discloses the processing circuitry is further configured to: obtain first configuration information indicating the first tone reservation pattern corresponding to the first bandwidth part (Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-53, receiving a first configuration information indicating the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern corresponding to the BWP/ first bandwidth part and Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19); and determine the first tone reservation pattern based on the first configuration information (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19, determining the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern related to the first configuration information and Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-53). Regarding claim 20, Back, Freda and Asjadi disclosed all the elements of claim 18 as stated above wherein Back further discloses the processing circuitry is further configured to: determine the first tone reservation pattern corresponding to the first bandwidth part (Fig.43 Col 48 lines 1-9, the pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern of the number of reserved tones is determined in consideration of an SL signal and Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-19, a receiving UE may receive the SL signal in the specific BWP e.g., a UE may receive a configuration for the SL BWP from the BS/network, for determining the pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern based on the SL signal in the specific BWP), wherein the first tone reservation pattern corresponding to the first bandwidth part is determined from a plurality of tone reservation patterns based on a first mapping relationship (Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19, the number and/or pattern of the reserved tones i.e., the first tone reservation pattern is determined form a plurality of the pattern of the reserved tones based on a first mapping relationship and Fig.21 Col 25 lines 15-18 and Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-53), and the first mapping relationship is between a tone reservation pattern and a bandwidth part (Fig.21 Col 25 lines 15-18, the first mapping relationship is between a tone reservation pattern and a bandwidth part and Fig.29-30 Col 38 lines 7-53, the BWP/ first bandwidth part and Fig.43-44 Col 48 lines 5-19). Conclusion THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a). Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to VANNEILIAN LALCHINTHANG whose telephone number is (571)272-6859. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 10AM-6PM. 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, Edan Orgad can be reached at (571) 272-7884. 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. /V.L/Examiner, Art Unit 2414 /EDAN ORGAD/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2414
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Prosecution Timeline

Jan 26, 2024
Application Filed
Mar 14, 2024
Response after Non-Final Action
Apr 08, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Jul 08, 2026
Response Filed
Sep 24, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

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