Prosecution Insights
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Application No. 18/500,871

METHOD AND APPARATUS SUPPORTING SELFCONFIGURATION AND SELF-OPTIMIZATION

Non-Final OA §103
Filed
Nov 02, 2023
Priority
Nov 02, 2022 — CN 202211367421.9 +2 more
Examiner
GELIN, JEAN ALLAND
Art Unit
2643
Tech Center
2600 — Communications
Assignee
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
OA Round
2 (Non-Final)
88%
Grant Probability
Favorable
2-3
OA Rounds
0m
Est. Remaining
93%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 88% — above average
88%
Career Allowance Rate
1106 granted / 1250 resolved
+26.5% vs TC avg
Minimal +4% lift
Without
With
+4.4%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 3m
Avg Prosecution
26 currently pending
Career history
1279
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
1.4%
-38.6% vs TC avg
§103
53.4%
+13.4% vs TC avg
§102
17.1%
-22.9% vs TC avg
§112
0.5%
-39.5% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 1250 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 . This is in response to the Applicant’s arguments, and amendments filed on February 02, 2026, in which claims 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, and 16 have been amended, claims 2, 7, 12, 17 have been canceled. Claims 1, 3-11, 13-16, and 18-20 are currently pending. 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, 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, 3-11, 13-16, and 18-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Krishnan et al. (US 2024/0049074) in view of Wu et al. (US 2025/0184836). Regarding claim 1, Krishman teaches a method performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: transmitting, to a base station, a first message including information that a successful primary secondary cell (PSCell) report is available (i.e., receiving, from a user equipment (UE) (corresponding to UE transmits to base), a first message indicating successful HO information is available and successful PScell change information is available [0007], [0011], [0015], [0097], [0108] first message); receiving, from the base station, a second message requesting for the successful PSCell report (i.e., transmitting, to the UE (corresponding to UE receives from BS/node) based on the first message, at least one request for the successful HO information and the successful PScell change information [0007], [0011], [0015], [0097], [0108] second message); and transmitting, to the base station, a third message including the successful PSCell report (i.e., receiving, from the UE (corresponding to BS/node transmits to UE) based on the at least one request, a successful HO report indicating the successful HO information and a SPC report indicating the successful PScell change information [0007], [0011], [0015], [0097], [0108] (third message)). Krishman does not specifically teach in case that a conditional PSCell change (CPC) or conditional PSCell addition (CPA) is configured for the UE, the successful PSCell report includes information on a time elapsed between execution of the CPC or CPA and reception of configuration information for the CPC or CPA. However the preceding limitation is known in the art of communications. Wu teaches a mobility robustness optimization (MRO) mechanism for a successful PSCell addition procedure, a conditional PSCell addition (CPA) procedure a conditional PScell change (CPC) procedure ([0001], [0095]-[0098])… transmitting assistance information includes at least one of: an elapsed time duration of the handover timer exceeds the threshold multiplied by the length of the handover timer; or an expiry of the handover timer ([0180]). In an embodiment, the elapsed time duration of timer T310 upon initiating the SCG failure information procedure can be reported if timer T310 is running. [0201] 3) Information regarding whether timer T312 is running can be reported to the MCG in the SCGFailureInformation message. [0202] In an embodiment, the elapsed time duration of timer T312 upon initiating the SCG failure information procedure can be reported if timer T312 is running ([0200]-[0203]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time of the invention, to have implemented the technique of Wu within the system of Krishman in order to improve handover reliability, reduce failure rates, and enhance user experience. Regarding claim 3, Krishman in view of Wu teaches all the limitations above. Krishman further teaches the successful PSCell report includes information about whether a PSCell change associated with the successful PSCell report is initiated by a secondary node (SN) (i.e., the SN initiates a PScell change and is at least partially involved in the configuration of the UE 115 to determine a successful PScell change and/or for PScell change reporting [0102], [0115]). Regarding claim 4, Krishman in view of Wu teaches all the limitations above. Krishman further teaches the successful PSCell report includes at least one of: cell information for at least one of a primary cell (PCell), a source PSCell, and a target PSCell, location information of the UE, a measurement result of the UE, and common random access information (i.e., the SPC report may comprise information associated with the PScell change. In some aspects, the UEInformationResponse message may comprise a RRC message or IE [0111]-[0114], the SPC report may comprise information associated with the PScell change [0126]-[0127], [0242]). Regarding claim 5, Krishman in view of Wu teaches all the limitations above. Krishman further teaches wherein in case that the base station is not associated with a master node (MN) serving the UE at a time of successful PSCell change, the successful PSCell report is transmitted to the MN ([0219]). Regarding claim 6, Krishman teaches a method performed by a base station, the method comprising: receiving, from a user equipment (UE), a first message including information that a successful primary secondary cell (PSCell) report is available (i.e., receiving, from a user equipment (UE) (corresponding to UE transmits to base), a first message indicating successful HO information is available and successful PScell change information is available [0007], [0011], [0015], [0097], [0108] first message); transmitting, to the UE, a second message requesting for the successful PSCell report; and receiving, from the UE (i.e., transmitting, to the UE (corresponding to UE receives from BS/node) based on the first message, at least one request for the successful HO information and the successful PScell change information [0007], [0011], [0015], [0097], [0108] second message); and receiving, from the UE, a third message including the successful PSCell report (i.e., receiving, from the UE (corresponding to BS/node transmits to UE) based on the at least one request, a successful HO report indicating the successful HO information and a SPC report indicating the successful PScell change information [0007], [0011], [0015], [0097], [0108] (third message)). Krishman does not specifically teach in case that a conditional PSCell change (CPC) or conditional PSCell addition (CPA) is configured for the UE, the successful PSCell report includes information on a time elapsed between execution of the CPC or CPA and reception of configuration information for the CPC or CPA. However the preceding limitation is known in the art of communications. Wu teaches a mobility robustness optimization (MRO) mechanism for a successful PSCell addition procedure, a conditional PSCell addition (CPA) procedure a conditional PScell change (CPC) procedure ([0001], [0095]-[0098])… transmitting assistance information includes at least one of: an elapsed time duration of the handover timer exceeds the threshold multiplied by the length of the handover timer; or an expiry of the handover timer ([0180]). In an embodiment, the elapsed time duration of timer T310 upon initiating the SCG failure information procedure can be reported if timer T310 is running. [0201] 3) Information regarding whether timer T312 is running can be reported to the MCG in the SCGFailureInformation message. [0202] In an embodiment, the elapsed time duration of timer T312 upon initiating the SCG failure information procedure can be reported if timer T312 is running ([0200]-[0203]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time of the invention, to have implemented the technique of Wu within the system of Krishman in order to improve handover reliability, reduce failure rates, and enhance user experience. Regarding claim 8, Krishman in view of Wu teaches all the limitations above. Krishman further teaches the successful PSCell report includes information about whether a PSCell change associated with the successful PSCell report is initiated by a secondary node (SN). (i.e., the SN initiates a PScell change and is at least partially involved in the configuration of the UE 115 to determine a successful PScell change and/or for PScell change reporting [0102], [0115]). Regarding claim 9, Krishman in view of Wu teaches all the limitations above. Krishman further teaches the successful PSCell report includes at least one of: cell information for at least one of a primary cell (PCell), a source PSCell, and a target PSCell, location information of the UE, a measurement result of the UE, and common random access information (i.e., the SPC report may comprise information associated with the PScell change. In some aspects, the UEInformationResponse message may comprise a RRC message or IE [0111]-[0114], the SPC report may comprise information associated with the PScell change [0126]-[0127], [0242]). Regarding claim 10, Krishman in view of Wu teaches all the limitations above. Krishman further teaches in case that the base station is not associated with a master node (MN) serving the UE at a time of successful PSCell change, transmitting, to the MN, the successful PSCell report ([0219]). Regarding claim 11, Krishman teaches a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the UE comprising: a transceiver (inherent in UE); and a controller (inherent in UE) configured comprising: transmit, to a base station via the transceiver, a first message including information that a successful primary secondary cell (PSCell) report is available (i.e., receiving, from a user equipment (UE) (corresponding to UE transmits to base), a first message indicating successful HO information is available and successful PScell change information is available [0007], [0011], [0015], [0097], [0108] first message); receive, from the base station via the transceiver, a second message requesting for the successful PSCell report (i.e., transmitting, to the UE (corresponding to UE receives from BS/node) based on the first message, at least one request for the successful HO information and the successful PScell change information [0007], [0011], [0015], [0097], [0108] second message); and transmit, to the base station via the tranceiver, a third message including the successful PSCell report (i.e., receiving, from the UE (corresponding to BS/node transmits to UE) based on the at least one request, a successful HO report indicating the successful HO information and a SPC report indicating the successful PScell change information [0007], [0011], [0015], [0097], [0108] (third message)). Krishman does not specifically teach in case that a conditional PSCell change (CPC) or conditional PSCell addition (CPA) is configured for the UE, the successful PSCell report includes information on a time elapsed between execution of the CPC or CPA and reception of configuration information for the CPC or CPA. However the preceding limitation is known in the art of communications. Wu teaches a mobility robustness optimization (MRO) mechanism for a successful PSCell addition procedure, a conditional PSCell addition (CPA) procedure a conditional PScell change (CPC) procedure ([0001], [0095]-[0098])… transmitting assistance information includes at least one of: an elapsed time duration of the handover timer exceeds the threshold multiplied by the length of the handover timer; or an expiry of the handover timer ([0180]). In an embodiment, the elapsed time duration of timer T310 upon initiating the SCG failure information procedure can be reported if timer T310 is running. [0201] 3) Information regarding whether timer T312 is running can be reported to the MCG in the SCGFailureInformation message. [0202] In an embodiment, the elapsed time duration of timer T312 upon initiating the SCG failure information procedure can be reported if timer T312 is running ([0200]-[0203]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time of the invention, to have implemented the technique of Wu within the system of Krishman in order to improve handover reliability, reduce failure rates, and enhance user experience. Regarding claim 13, Krishman in view of Wu teaches all the limitations above. Krishman further teaches the successful PSCell report includes information about whether a PSCell change associated with the successful PSCell report is initiated by a secondary node (SN) (i.e., the SN initiates a PScell change and is at least partially involved in the configuration of the UE 115 to determine a successful PScell change and/or for PScell change reporting [0102], [0115]). Regarding claim 14, Krishman in view of Wu teaches all the limitations above. Krishman further teaches the successful PSCell report includes at least one of: cell information for at least one of a primary cell (PCell), a source PSCell, and a target PSCell, location information of the UE, a measurement result of the UE, and common random access information (i.e., the SPC report may comprise information associated with the PScell change. In some aspects, the UEInformationResponse message may comprise a RRC message or IE [0111]-[0114], the SPC report may comprise information associated with the PScell change [0126]-[0127], [0242]). Regarding claim 15, Krishman in view of Wu teaches all the limitations above. Krishman further teaches wherein in case that the base station is not associated with a master node (MN) serving the UE at a time of successful PSCell change, the successful PSCell report is transmitted to the MN ([0219]). Regarding claim 16, Krishman teaches a base station in a wireless communication system, the base station comprising: a transceiver and controller (inherent in BS) configured to: receiving, from a user equipment (UE), a first message including information that a successful primary secondary cell (PSCell) report is available (i.e., receiving, from a user equipment (UE) (corresponding to UE transmits to base), a first message indicating successful HO information is available and successful PScell change information is available [0007], [0011], [0015], [0097], [0108] first message); transmitting, to the UE, a second message requesting for the successful PSCell report; and receiving, from the UE (i.e., transmitting, to the UE (corresponding to UE receives from BS/node) based on the first message, at least one request for the successful HO information and the successful PScell change information [0007], [0011], [0015], [0097], [0108] second message); and receiving, from the UE, a third message including the successful PSCell report (i.e., receiving, from the UE (corresponding to BS/node transmits to UE) based on the at least one request, a successful HO report indicating the successful HO information and a SPC report indicating the successful PScell change information [0007], [0011], [0015], [0097], [0108] (third message)). Krishman does not specifically teach in case that a conditional PSCell change (CPC) or conditional PSCell addition (CPA) is configured for the UE, the successful PSCell report includes information on a time elapsed between execution of the CPC or CPA and reception of configuration information for the CPC or CPA. However the preceding limitation is known in the art of communications. Wu teaches a mobility robustness optimization (MRO) mechanism for a successful PSCell addition procedure, a conditional PSCell addition (CPA) procedure a conditional PScell change (CPC) procedure ([0001], [0095]-[0098])… transmitting assistance information includes at least one of: an elapsed time duration of the handover timer exceeds the threshold multiplied by the length of the handover timer; or an expiry of the handover timer ([0180]). In an embodiment, the elapsed time duration of timer T310 upon initiating the SCG failure information procedure can be reported if timer T310 is running. [0201] 3) Information regarding whether timer T312 is running can be reported to the MCG in the SCGFailureInformation message. [0202] In an embodiment, the elapsed time duration of timer T312 upon initiating the SCG failure information procedure can be reported if timer T312 is running ([0200]-[0203]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time of the invention, to have implemented the technique of Wu within the system of Krishman in order to improve handover reliability, reduce failure rates, and enhance user experience. Regarding claim 18, Krishman in view of Wu teaches all the limitations above. Krishman further teaches the successful PSCell report includes information about whether a PSCell change associated with the successful PSCell report is initiated by a secondary node (SN). (i.e., the SN initiates a PScell change and is at least partially involved in the configuration of the UE 115 to determine a successful PScell change and/or for PScell change reporting [0102], [0115]). Regarding claim 19, Krishman in view of Wu teaches all the limitations above. Krishman further teaches the successful PSCell report includes at least one of: cell information for at least one of a primary cell (PCell), a source PSCell, and a target PSCell, location information of the UE, a measurement result of the UE, and common random access information (i.e., the SPC report may comprise information associated with the PScell change. In some aspects, the UEInformationResponse message may comprise a RRC message or IE [0111]-[0114], the SPC report may comprise information associated with the PScell change [0126]-[0127], [0242]). Regarding claim 20, Krishman in view of Wu teaches all the limitations above. Krishman further teaches in case that the base station is not associated with a master node (MN) serving the UE at a time of successful PSCell change, transmitting, to the MN, the successful PSCell report ([0219]). Response to Arguments Applicant’s arguments with respect to claims 1, 3-11, 13-16, and 18-20 have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JEAN ALLAND GELIN whose telephone number is (571)272-7842. The examiner can normally be reached MON-FR 9-6 PM. 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, JINSONG HU can be reached at 571-272-3965. 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. /JEAN A GELIN/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2643
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Nov 02, 2023
Application Filed
Oct 31, 2025
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Feb 02, 2026
Response Filed
Apr 01, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

2-3
Expected OA Rounds
88%
Grant Probability
93%
With Interview (+4.4%)
2y 3m (~0m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 1250 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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