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 Amendment
Claims 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 21, 22 and 27 are amended. Claims 1-28 are pending.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, filed on 12/4/2025 with respect to claims 1-28, have been considered but are moot in view of new grounds of rejection.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
3. 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.
4. Claims 1-28 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Chen et al. (US. Pub. No. 2021/0377892 A1) in view of Liu et al. (US. Pub. No. 2025/0168041 A1) and further in view of Alawieh et al. (US. Pub. No. 2026/0039529 A1).
Regarding claim 1, Chen discloses an apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE) (See Fig. 19; Terminal Device), comprising: one or more memories (See Fig. 19; Memory); and one or more processors, coupled to the one or more memories (See Fig. 19; Processor), configured to:
receive a configuration indicating at least one uplink reference signal resource (See par. [67], [320]-[321], [453] and Fig. 13; 730 of Chen for a reference to the terminal device receives the configuration information of the UL reference signal (RS), which includes an identifier of a resource of the RS, and a port number associated with the RS resource, as well as the quantity (set) of ports of the resource); and
transmit a plurality of uplink reference signals, using the at least one uplink reference signal resource (See par. [316]-[317], [338]-[339] and Fig. 13; 750 of Chen for a reference to that after receiving the configuration info, the terminal sends a set of sounding reference signals (SRSs) using the configured resource and port number among a plurality of ports).
Chen does not explicitly disclose wherein a cyclic shift for a first port associated with the plurality of uplink reference signals hops within a subset of a set of possible cyclic shifts, and the cyclic shift for the first port is based at least in part on a function of time, measured in increments longer than one symbol.
However, Liu discloses wherein a cyclic shift for a first port associated with the plurality of uplink reference signals hops within a subset of a set of possible cyclic shifts (See par. [38], [83], [131], [165] of Liu for a reference to the gNB configures SRS cyclic shift (CS) hopping on a subset of cyclic shift values. The CS of the port associated with SRS port is a subset of all possible CS values).
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Liu to Chen. The motivation for combination would be to improve network’s performance, by improving the interference randomization across different SRSs sent by different UEs, by utilizing cyclic shift hopping. (Liu; Par. [125])
The combination of Chen and Liu does not explicitly disclose the cyclic shift for the first port is based at least in part on a function of time, measured in increments longer than one symbol,
However, Alawieh discloses the cyclic shift for the first port is based at least in part on a function of time, measured in increments longer than one symbol (See par. [300]-[313], [487]-[496] of Alawieh for a reference to the cyclic shift hopping pattern, associated with each port, is increased with a peak value comprising a plurality of symbols [more than one symbol]).
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Alawieh to the combination of Chen and Liu. The motivation for combination would be to improve network’s performance, by allowing that more UEs share the same Res through allowing to increase the number of cyclic shift steps. (Alawieh; Par. [214])
Regarding claim 2, the combination of Chen, Liu and Alawieh, specifically Chen discloses wherein the plurality of uplink reference signals comprise sounding reference signals (See par. [67], [126], [453] of Chen for a reference to the UL reference signal (RS) comprises a sounding reference signal (SRS)).
Regarding claim 3, Chen does not explicitly disclose wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: receive an indication of the subset.
However, Liu discloses wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: receive an indication of the subset (See par. [83] of Liu for a reference to the UE receives control information that indicates configuration, including a subset of SRS resources set using a subset of transmission ports).
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Liu to Chen. The motivation for combination would be to improve network’s performance, by improving the interference randomization across different SRSs sent by different UEs, by utilizing cyclic shift hopping. (Liu; Par. [125])
Regarding claim 4, Chen does not explicitly disclose wherein one or more additional cyclic shifts are assigned to one or more additional ports based on the cyclic shift for the first port.
However, Liu discloses wherein one or more additional cyclic shifts are assigned to one or more additional ports based on the cyclic shift for the first port (See par. [112], [118], [142] of Liu for a reference to the CS hopping pattern assigned for additional ports are based on comb offset hopping sequence of the SRS port. All additional ports are shifting around based on first port’s CS value and CS offset).
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Liu to Chen. The motivation for combination would be to improve network’s performance, by improving the interference randomization across different SRSs sent by different UEs, by utilizing cyclic shift hopping. (Liu; Par. [125])
Regarding claim 5, Chen does not explicitly disclose wherein the first port is associated with a first group of ports, and one or more additional cyclic shifts are assigned to one or more additional ports, in the first group of ports, based on the cyclic shift for the first port.
However, Liu discloses wherein the first port is associated with a first group of ports (See par. [38], [83], [131], [165] of Liu for a reference to the gNB configures SRS cyclic shift (CS) hopping on a subset of cyclic shift values. The CS of the port associated with SRS port is a subset of all possible CS values), and one or more additional cyclic shifts are assigned to one or more additional ports, in the first group of ports, based on the cyclic shift for the first port (See par. [112], [118], [142] of Liu for a reference to the CS hopping pattern assigned for additional ports are based on comb offset hopping sequence of the SRS port. All additional ports are shifting around based on first port’s CS value and CS offset).
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Liu to Chen. The motivation for combination would be to improve network’s performance, by improving the interference randomization across different SRSs sent by different UEs, by utilizing cyclic shift hopping. (Liu; Par. [125])
Regarding claim 6, combination of Chen and Liu does not explicitly disclose wherein the function of time comprises increments of frequency hops, increments of slots, or increments of frequency hopping cycles.
However, Alawieh discloses wherein the function of time comprises increments of frequency hops, increments of slots, or increments of frequency hopping cycles (See par. [300]-[313], of Alawieh for a reference to the cyclic shift value is increased per SRS port for different OFDM symbols and/or different slots according to a pre-defined hopping pattern [increments of frequency hops]).
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Alawieh to the combination of Chen and Liu. The motivation for combination would be to improve network’s performance, by allowing that more UEs share the same Res through allowing to increase the number of cyclic shift steps. (Alawieh; Par. [214])
Regarding claim 7, Chen does not explicitly disclose wherein the function of time comprises a pseudo-random sequence initialized by a measurement of time.
However, Liu discloses wherein the function of time comprises a pseudo-random sequence initialized by a measurement of time (See par. [126]-[127], [149], [163] of Liu for a reference to that to enable CS hopping over time, a pseudo random sequence to introduce additional offset of the current CSs is utilized. When multiple ports of an SRS resource are multiplexed on an RE via different CSs, a proper spacing is applied. The spacing is maintained through the offset value).
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Liu to Chen. The motivation for combination would be to improve network’s performance, by improving the interference randomization across different SRSs sent by different UEs, by utilizing cyclic shift hopping. (Liu; Par. [125])
Regarding claim 8, Chen discloses an apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity (See Fig. 20; Network Node), comprising: one or more memories (See Fig. 20; Memory); and one or more processors, coupled to the one or more memories (See Fig. 20; Processor), configured to:
transmit a configuration indicating at least one uplink reference signal resource (See par. [67], [320]-[321], [453] and Fig. 13; 730 of Chen for a reference to the network node transmits the configuration information, of the UL reference signal (RS), to the terminal device, which includes an identifier of a resource of the RS, and a port number associated with the RS resource, as well as the quantity (set) of ports of the resource); and
receive a plurality of uplink reference signals, using the at least one uplink reference signal resource (See par. [316]-[317], [338]-[339] and Fig. 13; 750 of Chen for a reference to that in response to transmitting the configuration info, the network node receives a set of sounding reference signals (SRSs) using the configured resource and port number among a plurality of ports).
Chen does not explicitly disclose wherein a cyclic shift for a first port associated with the plurality of uplink reference signals hops within a subset of a set of possible cyclic shifts, and the cyclic shift for the first port is based at least in part on a function of time, measured in increments longer than one symbol.
However, Liu discloses wherein a cyclic shift for a first port associated with the plurality of uplink reference signals hops within a subset of a set of possible cyclic shifts (See par. [38], [83], [131], [165] of Liu for a reference to the gNB configures SRS cyclic shift (CS) hopping on a subset of cyclic shift values. The CS of the port associated with SRS port is a subset of all possible CS values).
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Liu to Chen. The motivation for combination would be to improve network’s performance, by improving the interference randomization across different SRSs sent by different UEs, by utilizing cyclic shift hopping. (Liu; Par. [125])
The combination of Chen and Liu does not explicitly disclose the cyclic shift for the first port is based at least in part on a function of time, measured in increments longer than one symbol,
However, Alawieh discloses the cyclic shift for the first port is based at least in part on a function of time, measured in increments longer than one symbol (See par. [300]-[313], [487]-[496] of Alawieh for a reference to the cyclic shift hopping pattern, associated with each port, is increased with a peak value comprising a plurality of symbols [more than one symbol]).
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Alawieh to the combination of Chen and Liu. The motivation for combination would be to improve network’s performance, by allowing that more UEs share the same Res through allowing to increase the number of cyclic shift steps. (Alawieh; Par. [214])
Regarding claim 9, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 2.
Regarding claim 10, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 3.
Regarding claim 11, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 4.
Regarding claim 12, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 5.
Regarding claim 13, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 6.
Regarding claim 14, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 7.
Regarding claim 15, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 1.
Regarding claim 16, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 2.
Regarding claim 17, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 3.
Regarding claim 18, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 4.
Regarding claim 19, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 5.
Regarding claim 20, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 6.
Regarding claim 21, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 7.
Regarding claim 22, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 8.
Regarding claim 23, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 9.
Regarding claim 24, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 10.
Regarding claim 25, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 11.
Regarding claim 26, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 12.
Regarding claim 27, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 13.
Regarding claim 28, the claim is interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 14.
Conclusion
5. The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Munier (US. Pub. No. 2025/0038913 A1) discloses methods and apparatuses for flexible reconfiguration of the sounding reference signal (SRS).
Elshafie et al. (US. Pub. No. 2025/0183978 A1) discloses devices, systems, and methods for increasing the efficient use of radio resources for sidelink reference signal transmissions.
Reial et al. (US. Pub. No. 2018/0338289 A1) discloses a method of selectively reducing power consumption associated with wireless transceivers.
6. 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 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.
7. Any inquiry concerning this communication from the examiner should be directed to RASHA FAYED whose telephone number is (571) 270-3804. The examiner can normally be reached on M-F 8:00AM-4:30PM.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the supervisory Examiner, Un Cho can be reached on (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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/R.K.F/Examiner, Art Unit 2413
/UN C CHO/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2413