DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claim(s) 1-2, 5, 7-8, 11, 13-14, 16-18, 20 and 23-26 have been considered but are moot based on new grounds of rejections.
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 (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) 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.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claim(s) 1, 5, 13 and 16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over You et al. (US 2025/0274823; hereinafter You) in view of an alternative embodiment of You.
Regarding claim 1, You shows a method (Figure 1 shows a method performed in part by a terminal device.) performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:
receiving, from a base station, a message for configuring candidate information associated with an candidate cell (Figure 7; Par. 0064-0065; terminal device receives first indication information from the network device. The first indication information indicates an identifier of a candidate cell used for cell handover.), wherein the candidate information includes first random access configuration information associated with performing an uplink (UL) synchronization procedure with the candidate cell (Figure 7; Par. 0064-0065; The first indication information indicates an identifier of a candidate cell. The first indication information indicates information of a TA for a first cell, wherein the first cell includes at least one of a candidate cell for cell handover or a target cell for cell handover.) and second random access configuration information associated with performing a random access procedure to a target cell (Figure 7; Par. 0064-0066; The first indication information also indicates an identifier of a target cell used for cell handover.); and
performing the UL synchronization procedure with the candidate cell based on the first random access configuration information (Figure 7; Par. 0064, 0083-0085; Upon receipt of the first indication information, the terminal device controls a TA timer for the first cell based on the first indication information, or controls a TA timer associated with a TAG corresponding to the first cell based on the first indication information.).
You shows all of the elements as discussed above. You does not specifically show layer 1/layer 2 (L1/L2) triggered mobility (LTM) candidate information associated with an LTM candidate cell; performing an L1 measurement on the candidate cell; and transmitting, to the base station, a report message for the L1measurement.
However, the above-mentioned claim limitations are well-established in the art as evidenced by the alternative embodiment of You. Specifically, the alternative embodiment of You shows layer 1/layer 2 (L1/L2) triggered mobility (LTM) candidate information associated with an LTM candidate cell; performing an L1 measurement on the candidate cell; and transmitting, to the base station, a report message for the L1measurement (Par. 0048-0055; The main process of LTM includes the following contents: (1) The network side pre-configures a plurality of candidate cells for the terminal; (2) The terminal performs L1 measurement and reporting on the configured candidate cells; and (3) The network side determines the target cell based on the measurement report and indicates the target cell to the terminal in the handover command. In some embodiments, the terminal may also perform downlink/uplink synchronization in advance prior to receiving the handover command.).
In view of the above, having the system of You, then given the well-established teaching of the alternative embodiment of You, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the system of You as taught by the alternative embodiment of You, in order to provide motivation to reduce the interruption time of handover (Par. 0055 of You).
Regarding claim 5, modified You shows all of the elements except for receiving, from the base station, a command message including timing advance (TA) information associated with the target cell; and switching to the target cell based on the command message (You: Par. 0149, 0190; Upon receipt of the handover command, the UE performs synchronization/interaction with the target cell based on the identifier of the target cell indicated by the handover command and the TA information, which may be carried in the handover command.).
Regarding claim 13, You shows a user equipment (UE) (Figure 10 shows a terminal device performing in part the disclosed method of Figure 7.) in a wireless communication system, the UE comprising:
a transceiver (Figure 10 shows a transmitter and receiver.); and
a controller coupled with the transceiver (Figure 10 shows a processor coupled to the transmitter and receiver.), and configured to:
receive, from a base station, a message for configuring candidate information associated with an candidate cell (Figure 7; Par. 0064-0065; terminal device receives first indication information from the network device. The first indication information indicates an identifier of a candidate cell used for cell handover.), wherein the candidate information includes first random access configuration information associated with performing an uplink (UL) synchronization procedure with the candidate cell (Figure 7; Par. 0064-0065; The first indication information indicates an identifier of a candidate cell. The first indication information indicates information of a TA for a first cell, wherein the first cell includes at least one of a candidate cell for cell handover or a target cell for cell handover.) and second random access configuration information associated with performing a random access procedure to a target cell (Figure 7; Par. 0064-0066; The first indication information also indicates an identifier of a target cell used for cell handover.), and
perform the UL synchronization procedure with the candidate cell based on the first random access configuration information (Figure 7; Par. 0064, 0083-0085; Upon receipt of the first indication information, the terminal device controls a TA timer for the first cell based on the first indication information, or controls a TA timer associated with a TAG corresponding to the first cell based on the first indication information.).
You shows all of the elements as discussed above. You does not specifically show layer 1/layer 2 (L1/L2) triggered mobility (LTM) candidate information associated with an LTM candidate cell; performing an L1 measurement on the candidate cell; and transmitting, to the base station, a report message for the L1measurement.
However, the above-mentioned claim limitations are well-established in the art as evidenced by the alternative embodiment of You. Specifically, the alternative embodiment of You shows layer 1/layer 2 (L1/L2) triggered mobility (LTM) candidate information associated with an LTM candidate cell; performing an L1 measurement on the candidate cell; and transmitting, to the base station, a report message for the L1measurement (Par. 0048-0055; The main process of LTM includes the following contents: (1) The network side pre-configures a plurality of candidate cells for the terminal; (2) The terminal performs L1 measurement and reporting on the configured candidate cells; and (3) The network side determines the target cell based on the measurement report and indicates the target cell to the terminal in the handover command. In some embodiments, the terminal may also perform downlink/uplink synchronization in advance prior to receiving the handover command.).
In view of the above, having the system of You, then given the well-established teaching of the alternative embodiment of You, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the system of You as taught by the alternative embodiment of You, in order to provide motivation to reduce the interruption time of handover (Par. 0055 of You).
Regarding claim 16, this claim is rejected based on the same reasoning as presented in the rejection of claim 5.
Claim(s) 2, 7-8, 11, 14, 17-18 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over You in view of Dong et al. (US 2025/0048197; hereinafter Dong).
Regarding claim 2, modified You shows all of the elements including wherein the LTM candidate information further includes information on an LTM candidate configuration identifier (ID) (Figure 7; Par. 0064-0065; The first indication information indicates information of a TA for a first cell, wherein the first cell includes at least one of a candidate cell for cell handover or a target cell for cell handover. The first indication information includes at least one of a TA adjustment value, a TA absolute value, an identifier of a TAG (TAG ID), an identifier of the target cell, or an identifier of the candidate cell.) and the LTM candidate cell, as discussed above. Modified You does not specifically show information on a physical cell identity (PCI), and information on an UL resource for a random access preamble transmission on the candidate cell.
However, the above-mentioned claim limitations are well-established in the art as evidenced by Dong. Specifically, Dong shows information on a physical cell identity (PCI) (Par. 0144-0146; The fast serving cell change may be triggered by the source serving cell based on L1/L2 signaling/messaging, i.e. L1 triggering DCI. The L1 triggering DCI message may include at least a Physical Cell Id (PCI) to indicate the target serving cell the UE shall transfer to.) and
information of an UL resource for a random access preamble transmission on the candidate cell (Par. 0151; the L1 triggering DCI message may also include a Preamble index to indicate a preamble index for the UE to perform RACH on the indicated target serving cell.).
In view of the above, having the system of You, then given the well-established teaching of Dong, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the system of You as taught by Dong, in order to provide motivation for helping reduce switching latency and signaling overhead (Par. 0065 of Dong).
Regarding claim 7, You shows a method performed by a base station (Figure 1 shows a method performed in part by a base station.) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:
transmitting, to a user equipment (UE), a message for configuring candidate information associated with an candidate cell (Figure 7; Par. 0064-0065; network device sends first indication information to the terminal device. The first indication information indicates an identifier of a candidate cell used for cell handover.), wherein the candidate information includes first random access configuration information associated with an uplink (UL) synchronization procedure with the candidate cell (Figure 7; Par. 0064-0065; The first indication information indicates an identifier of a candidate cell. The first indication information indicates information of a TA for a first cell, wherein the first cell includes at least one of a candidate cell for cell handover or a target cell for cell handover.) and second random access configuration information associated with performing a random access procedure to a target cell (Figure 7; Par. 0064-0066; The first indication information also indicates an identifier of a target cell used for cell handover.).
You shows all of the elements as discussed above. You does not specifically show layer 1/layer 2 (L1/L2) triggered mobility (LTM) candidate information associated with an LTM candidate cell; receiving, from the UE, a random access preamble based on the LTM candidate information; and receiving, from the UE, a report message for a L1 measurement.
However, the above-mentioned claim limitations are well-established in the art as evidenced by the alternative embodiment of You and Dong.
First, the alternative embodiment of You shows layer 1/layer 2 (L1/L2) triggered mobility (LTM) candidate information associated with an LTM candidate cell; and receiving, from the UE, a report message for a L1 measurement (Par. 0048-0055; The main process of LTM includes the following contents: (1) The network side pre-configures a plurality of candidate cells for the terminal; (2) The terminal performs L1 measurement and reporting on the configured candidate cells; and (3) The network side determines the target cell based on the measurement report and indicates the target cell to the terminal in the handover command. In some embodiments, the terminal may also perform downlink/uplink synchronization in advance prior to receiving the handover command.).
In view of the above, having the system of You, then given the well-established teaching of the alternative embodiment of You, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the system of You as taught by the alternative embodiment of You, in order to provide motivation to reduce the interruption time of handover (Par. 0055 of You).
Second, Dong shows receiving, from the UE, a random access preamble based on the LTM candidate information (Par. 0144, 0151; a Preamble index is provided to the UE to indicate a preamble index for the UE to perform RACH on the indicated target serving cell. When performing RACH, the target serving cell/base station receives a random access preamble based on the received preamble index.).
In view of the above, having the system of You, then given the well-established teaching of Dong, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the system of You as taught by Dong, in order to provide motivation for helping reduce switching latency and signaling overhead (Par. 0065 of Dong).
Regarding claim 8, this claim is rejected based on the same reasoning as presented in the rejection of claim 2.
Regarding claim 11, modified You shows transmitting, to the UE, a command message including timing advance (TA) information associated with the target cell, wherein the command message is for configuring the UE to perform an LTM cell switch procedure (You: Par. 0149, 0190; Upon receipt of the handover command, the UE performs synchronization/interaction with the target cell based on the identifier of the target cell indicated by the handover command and the TA information, which may be carried in the handover command.).
Regarding claim 14, this claim is rejected based on the same reasoning as presented in the rejection of claim 2.
Regarding claim 17, You shows a base station (Figure 10 shows a network device/base station performing in part the disclosed method of Figure 7.) in a wireless communication system, the base station comprising:
a transceiver (Figure 10 shows a transmitter and receiver.); and
a controller coupled with the transceiver (Figure 10 shows a processor coupled to the transmitter and receiver.), and configured to:
transmit, to a user equipment (UE), a message for configuring candidate information associated with an candidate cell (Figure 7; Par. 0064-0065; network device sends first indication information to the terminal device. The first indication information indicates an identifier of a candidate cell used for cell handover.), wherein the candidate information includes first random access configuration information associated with an uplink (UL) synchronization procedure with the candidate cell (Figure 7; Par. 0064-0065; The first indication information indicates an identifier of a candidate cell. The first indication information indicates information of a TA for a first cell, wherein the first cell includes at least one of a candidate cell for cell handover or a target cell for cell handover.) and second random access configuration information associated with performing a random access procedure to a target cell (Figure 7; Par. 0064-0066; The first indication information also indicates an identifier of a target cell used for cell handover.).
You shows all of the elements as discussed above. You does not specifically show layer 1/layer 2 (L1/L2) triggered mobility (LTM) candidate information associated with an LTM candidate cell; receiving, from the UE, a random access preamble based on the LTM candidate information; and receiving, from the UE, a report message for a L1 measurement.
However, the above-mentioned claim limitations are well-established in the art as evidenced by the alternative embodiment of You and Dong.
First, the alternative embodiment of You shows layer 1/layer 2 (L1/L2) triggered mobility (LTM) candidate information associated with an LTM candidate cell; and receiving, from the UE, a report message for a L1 measurement (Par. 0048-0055; The main process of LTM includes the following contents: (1) The network side pre-configures a plurality of candidate cells for the terminal; (2) The terminal performs L1 measurement and reporting on the configured candidate cells; and (3) The network side determines the target cell based on the measurement report and indicates the target cell to the terminal in the handover command. In some embodiments, the terminal may also perform downlink/uplink synchronization in advance prior to receiving the handover command.).
In view of the above, having the system of You, then given the well-established teaching of the alternative embodiment of You, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the system of You as taught by the alternative embodiment of You, in order to provide motivation to reduce the interruption time of handover (Par. 0055 of You).
Second, Dong shows receiving, from the UE, a random access preamble based on the LTM candidate information (Par. 0144, 0151; a Preamble index is provided to the UE to indicate a preamble index for the UE to perform RACH on the indicated target serving cell. When performing RACH, the target serving cell/base station receives a random access preamble based on the received preamble index.).
In view of the above, having the system of You, then given the well-established teaching of Dong, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the system of You as taught by Dong, in order to provide motivation for helping reduce switching latency and signaling overhead (Par. 0065 of Dong).
Regarding claims 18 and 20, these claims are rejected based on the same reasoning as presented in the rejection of claims 2 and 11, respectively.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 23-26 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
Examiner submits that none of the prior art references cited in this action teaches the claimed subject matter as specifically presented in the above dependent claims. The allowance of this application is based on an examination wherein the claim limitations recited in the dependent claims were not taken alone but in view of the scope of the claim(s) as a whole including any proceeding and/or preceding claim limitation(s) present within the claims and by their respective dependencies on other claims.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
US 20250193941 A1 - METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ENABLING TWO TIMING ADVANCES 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 REDENTOR M PASIA whose telephone number is (571)272-9745. The examiner can normally be reached Mondays-Fridays 5am-245pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Un Cho can be reached at (571)272-7919. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/REDENTOR PASIA/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2413
