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 .
DETAILED ACTION
1. This communication is response to the application filed 1/30/2026 havingclaims 1-12 pending and presented for examination.
Priority
2. Application filed on 02/02/2024 is a CON of PCT/JP2022/029548 08/01/2022
FOREIGN APPLICATIONS JAPAN 2021-127856 08/03/2021 are acknowledged.
Drawings
3. The drawings were received on 02/02/2024 and these drawings are accepted.
4. Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on are in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Oath/Declaration
4. The Oath/Declaration filed on 02/02/2024 is accepted by the examiner.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
1. 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.
2. The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1-2,4-12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102 (a)(2) as being anticipated by US Publication US 20230247521 A1 ZHU et al. (Hereinafter “ZHU ").
As per claim 1, ZHU teaches a communication control method used in a cellular communication system, the communication control method comprising: transmitting, by a relay node, to a donor node information indicating that a Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) header rewriting function is supported (para 0161, 0189], fig. 1G, relay node such as the first network node in a communication system comprising donor node implementing Backhaul Adaptation Protocol indicating to a donor node such as CU, header rewriting is supported when handover occurs from one network to other network), forwarding, by the relay node, a data packet in accordance with configuration related to inter topology routing ((para 0161, 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, relay nodes forwards the configuration when there is a handover needed between relay node and donor node , wherein the configuration related to inter topology routing such as instead of routing through the first pathway , when handover goes through second pathway topology), wherein the relay node is located at a boundary between a first topology and a second topology, and the configuration includes information indicating that a routing ID of the second topology is adapted and a routing ID of the first topology not adapted ((para 0161, 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, the relay node is situated in the boundary between two topologies such as the first network node is in accordance with topology update since first network node in the first topology is connected to the fifth network node and changes the topology and provides configuration information one of the network topology is adapted and other is not adapted because of the handover occurs from one network to other network). and the method further comprises: receiving, by the relay node, the configuration related to inter topology routing from the first topology ((para 0161, 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, receives by the relay node from the donor configuration when handover happens or if there is a failure to handover) .
As per claim 4, ZHU teaches the communication control method used in a cellular communication system, the communication control method comprising: receiving, by a donor node, from a relay node information indicating that a Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) header rewriting function is supported(para 0161,0189], fig. 1G, relay node such as the first network node in a communication system comprising donor node implementing Backhaul Adaptation Protocol indicating to a donor node such as CU, header rewriting is supported when handover occurs from one network to other network). and performing, by the donor node, configuration related to inter topology routing to the relay node , transmitting, by the donor node, the configuration related to inter topology routing from the first topology, wherein the relay node is located at a boundary between a first topology and a second topology (0161,0192] fig. 1G, relay node is sitting in a boundary network of network node IAB node 2 and IAB node 1), and the configuration includes information indicating that a routing ID of the second topology is adapted and a routing ID of the first topology not adapted ((para0161, 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, the relay node is situated in the boundary between two topologies such as the first network node is in accordance with topology update since first network node in the first topology is connected to the fifth network node and changes the topology and provides configuration information one of the network topology is adapted and other is not adapted because of the handover occurs from one network to other network) and forwarding of a data packet is performed by the relay node in accordance with the configuration (((para0161, 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, relay node transfer the data through the new data topology path based on the handover to the network node).
As per claim 5, ZHU teaches the relay node in a cellular communication system, the node comprising a transceiver circuitry and a processing circuitry operatively associated with the transceiver circuitry and configured to execute processing of: transmitting to a donor node information indicating that a Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) header rewriting function is supported (para 0161,0189], fig. 1G, relay node such as the first network node in a communication system comprising donor node implementing Backhaul Adaptation Protocol indicating to a donor node such as CU, header rewriting is supported when handover occurs from one network to other network).. forwarding, by the relay node, a data packet in accordance with configuration related to inter topology routing((para 0161,0189], 0192] fig. 1G, relay nodes forwards the configuration when there is a handover needed between relay node and donor node , wherein the configuration related to inter topology routing such as instead of routing through the first pathway , when handover goes through second pathway topology),, wherein the relay node is located at a boundary between a first topology and a second topology, and the configuration includes information indicating that a routing ID of the second topology is adapted and a routing ID of the first topology not adapted ((para 0161,0189], 0192] fig. 1G, the relay node is situated in the boundary between two topologies such as the first network node is in accordance with topology update since first network node in the first topology is connected to the fifth network node and changes the topology and provides configuration information one of the network topology is adapted and other is not adapted because of the handover occurs from one network to other network). and the method further comprises: . receiving, by the relay node, the configuration related to inter topology routing from the first topology ((para 0161, 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, receives by the relay node from the donor configuration when handover happens or if there is a failure to handover) .
As per claim 6, ZHU teaches the donor node in cellular communication system, the node comprising a receiver circuitry and a processing circuitry operatively associated with the receiver circuitry and configured to execute processing of ((para 0161,0189], fig. 1G, IAB donor 2 associated with network): receiving from a relay node information indicating that a Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) header rewriting function is supported (para 0161,0189], fig. 1G, relay node such as the first network node in a communication system comprising donor node implementing Backhaul Adaptation Protocol indicating to a donor node such as CU, header rewriting is supported when handover occurs from one network to other network).. and performing configuration related to inter topology routing to the relay node, transmitting, by the donor node, the configuration related to inter topology routing from the first topology; wherein the relay node is located at a boundary between a first topology and a second topology, and the configuration includes information indicating that a routing ID of the second topology is adapted and a routing ID of the first topology not adapted((para 0161,0189], 0192] fig. 1G, second donor node updates the configuration information when it receives information from the relay node such as the first network node is in accordance with topology update since first network node in the first topology is connected to the fifth network node and changes the topology and provides configuration information one of the network topology is adapted and other is not adapted because of the handover occurs from one network to other network). and forwarding of a data packet is performed by the relay node in accordance with the configuration and forwarding of a data packet is performed by the relay node in accordance with the configuration((para0161, 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, relay node transfer the data through the new data topology path based on the handover to the network node)..
As per claim 7, ZHU teaches a cellular communication system comprising: a relay node (fig. 1F, ); and a donor node (fig. 1F,), wherein the relay node transmits to a donor node information indicating that a Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) header rewriting function is supported ((para 0161,0189], fig. 1G, para 0189], fig. 1G, relay node such as the first network node in a communication system comprising donor node implementing Backhaul Adaptation Protocol indicating to a donor node such as CU, header rewriting is supported when handover occurs from one network to other network) and forwards a data packet in accordance with a configuration related to inter topology routing (para 0161,0189], 0192] fig. 1G, relay nodes forwards the configuration when there is a handover needed between relay node and donor node , wherein the configuration related to inter topology routing such as instead of routing through the first pathway , when handover goes through second pathway topology),, wherein the relay node is located at a boundary between a first topology and a second topology, the configuration includes information indicating that a routing ID of the second topology is adapted and a routing ID of the first topology not adapted, ((para 0161,0189], 0192] fig. 1G, the relay node is situated in the boundary between two topologies such as the first network node is in accordance with topology update since first network node in the first topology is connected to the fifth network node and changes the topology and provides configuration information one of the network topology is adapted and other is not adapted because of the handover occurs from one network to other network). and the relay node receives the configuration related to inter topology routing from the first topology. ((para 0161, 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, receives by the relay node from the donor configuration when handover happens or if there is a failure to handover) .
As per claim 8, ZHU teaches a cellular communication system comprising: a relay node(fig. 1F, ); and a donor node, wherein the donor node receives from a relay node information indicating that a Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) header rewriting function is supported (para 0161,0189], fig. 1G, ), comprising donor node implementing Backhaul Adaptation Protocol indicating to a donor node such as CU, header rewriting is supported when handover occurs from one network to other network).the donor node performs configuration related to inter topology routing to the relay node, donor node transmits the configuration related to inter topology routing from the first topology; the relay node is located at a boundary between a first topology and a second topology, and the configuration includes information indicating that a routing ID of the second topology is adapted and a routing ID of the first topology not adapted (para 0161,0189], fig. 1G, para 0161,0189], 0192] fig. 1G, the relay node is situated in the boundary between two topologies such as the first network node is in accordance with topology update since first network node in the first topology is connected to the fifth network node and changes the topology and provides configuration information one of the network topology is adapted and other is not adapted because of the handover occurs from one network to other network), and forwarding of a data packet is performed by the relay node in accordance with the configuration((para0161, 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, relay node transfer the data through the new data topology path based on the handover to the network node)..
As per claim 9, ZHU teaches a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer in a relay node to execute processing comprising: transmitting to a donor node information indicating that a Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) header rewriting function is supported (para 0161,0189], fig. 1G, transmitting to a donor node such as the CU relay node such as the first network node in a communication system comprising donor node implementing Backhaul Adaptation Protocol indicating to a donor node such as CU, header rewriting is supported when handover occurs from one network to other network), forwarding, by the relay node, a data packet in accordance with configuration related to inter topology routing ((para0161, 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, relay nodes forwards the configuration when there is a handover needed between relay node and donor node , wherein the configuration related to inter topology routing such as instead of routing through the first pathway , when handover goes through second pathway topology), wherein the relay node is located at a boundary between a first topology and a second topology, and the configuration includes information indicating that a routing ID of the second topology is adapted and a routing ID of the first topology not adapted ((para 0161,0189], 0192] fig. 1G, the relay node is situated in the boundary between two topologies such as the first network node is in accordance with topology update since first network node in the first topology is connected to the fifth network node and changes the topology and provides configuration information one of the network topology is adapted and other is not adapted because of the handover occurs from one network to other network). and the method further comprises:receiving, by the relay node, the configuration related to inter topology routing from the first topology ((para 0161, 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, receives by the relay node from the donor configuration when handover happens or if there is a failure to handover) ..
As per claim 10, ZHU teaches the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer in a donor node to execute processing comprising: receiving from a relay node information indicating that a Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) header rewriting function is supported (para 0161,0189], 0192] fig. 1G, donor node is receiving from the relay node configuration information that indicates a Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) header rewriting function is supported ); and performing configuration related to inter topology routing to the relay node, transmitting, by the donor node, the configuration related to inter topology routing from the first topology; wherein the relay node is located at a boundary between a first topology and a second topology, and the configuration includes information indicating that a routing ID of the second topology is adapted and a routing ID of the first topology not adapted (para 0161,0189], 0192] fig. 1G, donor node performs based on the received information the relay node is situated in the boundary between two topologies such as the first network node is in accordance with topology update since first network node in the first topology is connected to the fifth network node and changes the topology and provides configuration information one of the network topology is adapted and other is not adapted because of the handover occurs from one network to other network) and forwarding of a data packet is performed by the relay node in accordance with the configuration((para0161, 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, relay node transfer the data through the new data topology path based on the handover to the network node)...
As per claim 11, ZHU teaches the chipset for a relay node in a cellular communication system, the chipset comprising circuitry configured to perform: transmitting to a donor node information indicating that a Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) header rewriting function is supported(para 0161,0189], fig. 1G, relay node such as the first network node in a communication system comprising donor node implementing Backhaul Adaptation Protocol indicating to a donor node such as CU, header rewriting is supported when handover occurs from one network to other network), and forwarding, by the relay node, a data packet in accordance with a configuration related to inter topology routing((para 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, relay nodes forwards the configuration when there is a handover needed between relay node and donor node , wherein the configuration related to inter topology routing such as instead of routing through the first pathway , when handover goes through second pathway topology),, wherein the relay node is located at a boundary between a first topology and a second topology, the configuration includes information indicating that a routing ID of the second topology is adapted and a routing ID of the first topology not adapted((para 0161, 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, the relay node is situated in the boundary between two topologies such as the first network node is in accordance with topology update since first network node in the first topology is connected to the fifth network node and changes the topology and provides configuration information one of the network topology is adapted and other is not adapted because of the handover occurs from one network to other network)., and the circuitry is further configured to perform: receiving, by the relay node, the configuration related to inter topology routing from the first topology.
As per claim 12, ZHU teaches the chipset for a donor node in a cellular communication system, the chipset comprising: receiving from a relay node information indicating that a Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) header rewriting function is supported(para 0161,0189], 0192] fig. 1G, donor node is receiving from the relay node configuration information that indicates a Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) header rewriting function is supported );; and performing configuration related to inter topology routing to the relay node, transmitting, by the donor node, the configuration related to inter topology routing from the first topology ((para0161, 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, donor node transfer the configuration through the node 1 through the new data topology path based on the handover to the network node).; wherein the relay node is located at a boundary between a first topology and a second topology, and the configuration includes information indicating that a routing ID of the second topology is adapted and a routing ID of the first topology not adapted (para 0161,0189], 0192] fig. 1G, donor node performs based on the received information the relay node is situated in the boundary between two topologies such as the first network node is in accordance with topology update since first network node in the first topology is connected to the fifth network node and changes the topology and provides configuration information one of the network topology is adapted and other is not adapted because of the handover occurs from one network to other network), and forwarding of a data packet is performed by the relay node in accordance with the configuration((para0161, 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, relay node transfer the data through the new data topology path based on the handover to the network node)..
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
4. 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.
5. Claim(s) 3 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over ZHU further view of US PG Pub US 20230171651 A1 to Liu et al (hereinafter Liu).
As per claim 3, ZHU teaches the communication control method according to claim 1, Liu teaches wherein the forwarding includes rewriting, by the relay node, a routing ID included in the data packet from the routing ID related to the first topology to the routing ID related to the second topology (para 0242], forwards and updates the routing id associated with the current network related to the first topology to the routing ID related to the second topology ). 20230171651
Therefore it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date, to modify the combination system of ZHU by wherein the forwarding includes rewriting, by the relay node, a routing ID included in the data packet from the routing ID related to the first topology to the routing ID related to the second topology as suggested by Liu, this modification would benefit ZHU for enabling a better service continuity during handover process in a mobile communication system.
Response to Arguments
On page 9 of applicant’s argument regarding claim 1, applicant argues that, “Paragraph 189 of Zhu describes "[t]he first network node transmits the first data packets to the target IAB donor DU based on a new routing identifier and a new routing configuration that are provided by the target IAB donor CU." Accordingly, Applicant respectfully submits that Zhu describes that the target IAB donor CU provides the new routing ID and the new routing configuration. Applicant respectfully submits that Zhu does not describe that the source IAB donor CU, rather than the target IAB donor CU, provides the new routing ID and the new routing configuration”. Applicant’s argument have been considered but are not persuasive. As Zhu taught in para 0161, 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, donor node which is a third network provides routing between relay node and multiple topological pathway before and after handover.
On page 10 of applicant’s argument regarding claim 1, applicant argues that, “As a result, Liu also relies on a new routing configuration provided by the target donor node. Like Zhu, therefore, Liu does not describe that the source donor node provides a new routing ID and a new routing configuration for accessing the target donor node”. Applicant’s argument have been considered but are not persuasive. As Zhu taught in para 0161, 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, donor node which is a third network provides routing between relay node and multiple topological pathway before and after handover, here when there is change is topology relay node changes to node to donor node thereby new configuration.
On page 10 of applicant’s argument regarding claim 1, applicant argues that, “Accordingly, Applicant respectfully submits that Zhu and Liu, whether taken alone or in combination, fail to disclose or suggest "receiving, by the relay node, the configuration related to inter topology routing from the first topology," as recited in amended claim 1. ”. Applicant’s argument have been considered but are not persuasive. As Zhu taught in para 0161, 0189], 0192] fig. 1G, realy node ie first network node, receives configuration information such as handover configuration information from the new node1 to inter topology routing from the first topology.
Conclusion
Prior arts made of record, not relied upon: US Patent Publication US 20240048486 A1; US Patent Publication US 20220132393 A1, US Patent Publication US 20240015633 A1
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented inthis Office action. THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a). A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ANEZ EBRAHIM whose telephone number is (571)270-7153. The examiner can normally be reached on M-F 8 AM to 5 PM If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Hassan Phillips can be reached on (571) 272-3940. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/ANEZ C EBRAHIM/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2467
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