Prosecution Insights
Last updated: August 18, 2026
Application No. 18/501,969

COMMUNICATION SKIPPING IN DISCONTINUOUS RECEPTION

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Nov 03, 2023
Priority
Feb 15, 2023 — provisional 63/485,158
Examiner
HAILE, AWET A
Art Unit
2474
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Qualcomm Incorporated
OA Round
2 (Final)
79%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
3m
Est. Remaining
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 79% — above average
79%
Career Allowance Rate
548 granted / 690 resolved
+21.4% vs TC avg
Strong +26% interview lift
Without
With
+25.5%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 0m
Avg Prosecution
28 currently pending
Career history
714
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
6.7%
-33.3% vs TC avg
§103
62.4%
+22.4% vs TC avg
§102
11.5%
-28.5% vs TC avg
§112
12.0%
-28.0% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 690 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 . Response to Arguments Applicant’s arguments with respect to pending claim(s) 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. 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. 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. 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. Claims 1, 3-5, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 31-33, 35, 37-40 and 42 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Li et al (US 2023/0276226 A1) in view of Rungta et al(US 2021/0084516 A1). Regarding claims 1 and 37, Li ‘226 teaches, an apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE)([0144], [0202], Figs. 1, 2, 5, wireless terminal (UE)) comprising: one or more memories)( [0144], [0202], [0203] Figs. 1, 2, 5, wireless terminal (UE) comprising memory 520); and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories( [0144], [0202], [0203] Figs. 1, 2, 5, wireless terminal (UE) comprising processor 500 communicatively coupled to the memory 520) the one or more processors configured to cause the UE to: transmit an indication that the UE performs measurement of one or more reference signals during one or more discontinuous reception (DRX) inactive times of one or more DRX cycles([0146], [0149]-[0152] and Fig. 2, the terminal(UE) transmitting capability information to a bases station. The capability information including UE’s capability of processing positioning signal (i.e. positioning reference signal) during DRX period (active and inactive DRX period)); and receive, responsive to the indication, the one or more reference signals during a DRX inactive time, of the one or more DRX inactive times, of a DRX cycle of the one or more DRX cycles ([0180], [0186], [0188] and Figs. 2, 3, in response to the terminal transmitting capability information, the terminal receives positioning reference signal during inactive DRX period). Li ‘226 does not explicitly teach, the one or more reference signals corresponding to a subset of all reference signal occasions configured in the DRX inactive time, wherein the subset excludes one or more reference signal occasions in which one or more corresponding reference signals are not received by the UE. Rungta ‘516 teaches, the one or more reference signals corresponding to a subset of all reference signal occasions configured in the DRX inactive time([0072], [0075], [0076] and Figs. 3-4, multiple periodic CSI-RS resources are scheduled during the DRX inactive periods, but the UE intentionally skips monitoring some of the occasions to save power. The UE is triggered to move to a limited active mode to measure only a specific occurrence (e.g. measuring CSI-1 while skipping others, which reads on measuring subset of all configured CSI-RS occasions), wherein the subset excludes one or more reference signal occasions in which one or more corresponding reference signals are not received by the UE ([0073], [0076], [0120] and Figs. 4, 12, skipping at least one scheduled channel measurement based on the UE being in the inactive mode, thereby not receiving the signal. The UE maintains a counter of these missed/skipped CSI-RS occasions (e.g. CSI-0). The subset of received signals (e.g. CSI-1) actively leaves out the occasions the UE intentionally skipped (did not receive)). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Rungta ‘516, since such modification would provide improved methods/systems supporting channel measurement techniques in discontinuous reception (DRX) scenarios, as suggested by Rungta ‘516([0005]). Regarding claim 3, the combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 teaches, all of the claim limitations above, Li ‘226 further teaches, wherein the one or more reference signals include at least one of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs), or positioning reference signals(([0180], [0186], [0188] and Figs. 2, 3, in response to the terminal transmitting capability information, the terminal receives positioning reference signal during inactive period of DRX, notice the claim limitation is written in alternative form thus examiner is required to show only one of the alternative claim limitations). Regarding claim 4, Li ‘226 teaches all claim limitations above except, wherein the one or more reference signals include periodic CSI-RSs or semi-persistent CSI-RSs. Rungta ‘516 teaches, wherein the one or more reference signals include periodic CSI-RSs or semi-persistent CSI-RSs([0028], [0063], [0069] and Figs. 3-4, UE being configured to receive periodic CSI-RS from a base station). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Rungta ‘516, since such modification would provide improved methods/systems supporting channel measurement techniques in discontinuous reception (DRX) scenarios, as suggested by Rungta ‘516([0005]). Regarding claims 5 and 15, Li ‘226 teaches all claim limitations above except, wherein the indication indicates that the UE is configured to perform measurement of the one or more reference signals for at least one of time and frequency tracking, beam management, radio link monitoring, or beam failure detection. Rungta ‘516 teaches, wherein the indication indicates that the UE is configured to perform measurement of the one or more reference signals for at least one of time and frequency tracking, beam management, radio link monitoring, or beam failure detection ([0028], [0063], [0069] and Figs. 3-4, UE being configured to receive CSI-RS from a base station for radio link monitoring). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Rungta ‘516, since such modification would provide improved methods/systems supporting channel measurement techniques in discontinuous reception (DRX) scenarios, as suggested by Rungta ‘516([0005]). Regarding claims 12 and 39, Li ‘226 teaches, an apparatus for wireless communication at a network node([0233]-[0245] and Fig. 7, base station ), comprising: one or more memories; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories([0233]-[0235], base station comprising memory 720), the one or more processors([0233]-[0235], base station comprising memory 720 communicatively coupled to processor 700 configured to cause the network node to: receive an indication that a user equipment (UE) performs measurement of one or more reference signals during one or more discontinuous reception (DRX) inactive times of one or more DRX cycle ([0146], [0149]-[0152] and Fig. 2, the base station receiving from a terminal(UE) capability information. The capability information including UE’s capability of processing positioning signal (i.e. positioning reference signal) during DRX period (active and inactive DRX period)); and transmit, responsive to the indication, the one or more reference signals during a DRX inactive time, of the one or more DRX inactive times, of a DRX cycle of the one or more DRX cycles ([0180], [0186], [0188] and Figs. 2, 3, in response to the base station receiving from the terminal capability information, the base station transmitting positioning reference signal during inactive period of DRX). Li ‘226 does not explicitly teach, the one or more reference signals corresponding to a subset of all reference signal occasions configured in the DRX inactive time, wherein the subset excludes one or more reference signal occasions in which one or more corresponding reference signals are not received by the UE. Rungta ‘516 teaches, the one or more reference signals corresponding to a subset of all reference signal occasions configured in the DRX inactive time ([0072], [0075], [0076] and Figs. 3-4, multiple periodic CSI-RS resources are scheduled during the DRX inactive periods, but the UE intentionally skips monitoring some of the occasions to save power. The UE is triggered to move to a limited active mode to measure only a specific occurrence (e.g. measuring CSI-1 while skipping others, which reads on measuring subset of all configured CSI-RS occasions), wherein the subset excludes one or more reference signal occasions in which one or more corresponding reference signals are not received by the UE([0073], [0076], [0120] and Figs. 4, 12, skipping at least one scheduled channel measurement based on the UE being in the inactive mode, thereby not receiving the signal. The UE maintains a counter of these missed/skipped CSI-RS occasions (e.g. CSI-0). The subset of received signals (e.g. CSI-1) actively leaves out the occasions the UE intentionally skipped (did not receive)). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Rungta ‘516, since such modification would provide improved methods/systems supporting channel measurement techniques in discontinuous reception (DRX) scenarios, as suggested by Rungta ‘516([0005]). Regarding claim 14, the combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 teaches all of the claim limitations above, Li ‘226 further teaches, wherein the one or more reference signals include at least one of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs), or positioning reference signals(([0180], [0186], [0188] and Figs. 2, 3, in response to the terminal transmitting capability information, the terminal receives positioning reference signal during inactive period of DRX, notice the claim limitation is written in alternative form thus examiner is required to show only one of the alternative claim limitations). Regarding claim 8, Li ‘226 teaches all claim limitations above except, wherein the subset of reference signal occasions is referenced from a first reference signal occasion after an end of a DRX active time of the DRX cycle of the one or more DRX cycles. Rungta ‘516 teaches, wherein the subset of reference signal occasions is referenced from a first reference signal occasion after an end of a DRX active time of the DRX cycle of the one or more DRX cycles ([0005], [0076]. [0078] and Fig. 4, after an on-duration (active time) DRX cycle performing a firs measurement). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Rungta ‘516, since such modification would provide improved methods/systems supporting channel measurement techniques in discontinuous reception (DRX) scenarios, as suggested by Rungta ‘516([0005]). Regarding claim 9, the combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 teaches, all of the claim limitations above, Rungta ‘516 further teaches, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the UE to: receive information that identifies the subset of reference signal occasions ([0083], [0095], [0099] and Figs. 4-5, the UE receiving reference signal measurement occasions information related to DRX active and inactive). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Rungta ‘516, since such modification would provide improved methods/systems supporting channel measurement techniques in discontinuous reception (DRX) scenarios, as suggested by Rungta ‘516([0005]). Regarding claim 17, the combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 teaches, all of the claim limitations above, Rungta ‘516 further teaches, wherein the one or more reference signals correspond to a subset of reference signal occasions overlapping in time with the DRX inactive time ([0005], [0076]. [0078] and Fig. 4, the UE configured to measure some/subset of CSI-RS that are overlapping with the DRX inactive period, while skipping some of the CSI-RS that are overlapping with the DRX inactive), wherein the subset of reference signal occasions is referenced from a first reference signal occasion after an end of a DRX active time of the DRX cycle of the one or more DRX cycles ([0005], [0076]. [0078] and Fig. 4, after an on-duration (active time) DRX cycle performing a firs measurement). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Rungta ‘516, since such modification would provide improved methods/systems supporting channel measurement techniques in discontinuous reception (DRX) scenarios, as suggested by Rungta ‘516([0005]). Regarding claim 18, the combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 teaches, all of the claim limitations above, Rungta ‘516 further teaches, wherein the one or more reference signals correspond to a subset of reference signal occasions overlapping in time with the DRX inactive time([0005], [0076]. [0078] and Fig. 4, the UE configured to measure some/subset of CSI-RS that are overlapping with the DRX inactive period, while skipping some of the CSI-RS that are overlapping with the DRX inactive), and wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the network node to: transmit information that identifies the subset of reference signal occasions([0083], [0095], [0099] and Figs. 4-5, the UE receiving reference signal measurement occasions information related to DRX active and inactive). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Rungta ‘516, since such modification would provide improved methods/systems supporting channel measurement techniques in discontinuous reception (DRX) scenarios, as suggested by Rungta ‘516([0005]). Regarding claim 31, the combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 teaches, all of the claim limitations above, Rungta ‘516 further teaches, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the network node to transmit, responsive to the indication, periodic channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs) during the DRX inactive time ([0028], [0063], [0069] and Figs. 3-4, UE being configured to receive periodic CSI-RS from a base station). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Rungta ‘516, since such modification would provide improved methods/systems supporting channel measurement techniques in discontinuous reception (DRX) scenarios, as suggested by Rungta ‘516([0005]). Regarding claims 32, the combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 teaches, all of the claim limitations above, Rungta ‘516 further teaches, to cause the network node to transmit, responsive to the indication, semi-persistent channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs) during the DRX inactive time ([0028], [0063], [0069] and Figs. 3-4, base station configured to transmit semi-persistent CSI RS to the terminal). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Rungta ‘516, since such modification would provide improved methods/systems supporting channel measurement techniques in discontinuous reception (DRX) scenarios, as suggested by Rungta ‘516([0005]). Regarding claim 33, the combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 teaches, all of the claim limitations above, Rungta ‘516 further teaches, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the network node to transmit information that identifies a pattern of reference signal occasions during the DRX inactive time ([0028], [0063], [0069] and Figs. 3-4, base station transmitting periodicity of CSI-RS to UE). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Rungta ‘516, since such modification would provide improved methods/systems supporting channel measurement techniques in discontinuous reception (DRX) scenarios, as suggested by Rungta ‘516([0005]). Regarding claims 35, the combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 teaches, all of the claim limitations above, Rungta ‘516 further teaches, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the network node to transmit a reference signal during a DRX inactive time for use by the UE in at least one of beam management, radio link monitoring, or beam failure detection ([0028], [0063], [0069] and Figs. 3-4, UE being configured to receive CSI-RS from a base station for radio link monitoring). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Rungta ‘516, since such modification would provide improved methods/systems supporting channel measurement techniques in discontinuous reception (DRX) scenarios, as suggested by Rungta ‘516([0005]). Regarding claims 38 and 40, the combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 teaches, all of the claim limitations above, Rungta ‘516 further teaches, wherein the one or more reference signals correspond to at least one of: radio link monitoring or beam failure detection ([0028], [0063], [0069] and Figs. 3-4, UE being configured to receive CSI-RS from a base station for radio link monitoring). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Rungta ‘516, since such modification would provide improved methods/systems supporting channel measurement techniques in discontinuous reception (DRX) scenarios, as suggested by Rungta ‘516([0005]). Regarding claim 42, the combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 teaches, all of the claim limitations above, Rungta ‘516 further teaches, wherein the one or more reference signal occasions excluded from the subset are before a time interval before a start of a DRX on duration of a subsequent DRX cycle([0080], [0098] and Fig. 6, activating measurement components only for scheduled measurements that fall within a predetermined time window before the start of a subsequent DRX ON duration, which inherently excludes those that occur before that time interval). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Rungta ‘516, since such modification would provide improved methods/systems supporting channel measurement techniques in discontinuous reception (DRX) scenarios, as suggested by Rungta ‘516([0005]). Claims 2, 10, 11, 13, 16, 19, 20, 34 and 36 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 as applied to claims above, and further in view of Bao et al (US 2021/0410098 A1). Regarding claim 2, Li ‘226 teaches, wherein the indication is a first indication, and wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the UE to([0146], [0149]-[0152] and Fig. 2, the terminal(UE) transmitting capability information to a bases station. The capability information including UE’s capability of processing positioning signal (i.e. positioning reference signal) during DRX period (active and inactive DRX period)). The combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 does not explicitly teach, receive a second indication to skip at least one of transmission or reception during the one or more DRX inactive times of the one or more DRX cycles. Bao ‘098 teaches, receive a second indication to skip at least one of transmission or reception during the one or more DRX inactive times of the one or more DRX cycles ([0141], [0150] and Figs. 9, 12, the UE receiving configuration to skip DL-PRS occasion during the inactive DRX cycle). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Bao ‘093, since such modification would substantially enhance signaling efficiencies and reduce latency, as suggested by Bao ‘098([0003]). Regarding claim 16, the combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 teaches all claim limitations above except, wherein the one or more reference signals correspond to all reference signal occasions overlapping in time with the DRX inactive time. Bao ‘098 teaches, wherein the one or more reference signals correspond to all reference signal occasions overlapping in time with the DRX inactive time ([0135], [0141] and Figs. 8-9, UE configured to measure all DL-PRS occasions overlapping with the DRX inactive (DRX OFF time). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Bao ‘093, since such modification would substantially enhance signaling efficiencies and reduce latency, as suggested by Bao ‘098([0003]). Regarding claims 10 and 19, the combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 teaches all claim limitations above except, wherein the one or more reference signals correspond to reference signal occasions within a particular time interval before a start of a DRX on duration of a subsequent DRX cycle. Bao ‘098 teaches, wherein the one or more reference signals correspond to reference signal occasions within a particular time interval before a start of a DRX on duration of a subsequent DRX cycle ([0135], [0141] and Figs. 8-9, UE configured to measure all DL-PRS occasions overlapping with the DRX inactive (DRX OFF time) before the DRX ON duration as shown in Fig. 8). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Bao ‘093, since such modification would substantially enhance signaling efficiencies and reduce latency, as suggested by Bao ‘098([0003]). Regarding claims 11 and 20, the combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 teaches all claim limitations above except, wherein the indication identifies one or more reference signal resources in which the UE is to perform measurement of the one or more reference signals. Bao ‘098 teaches, wherein the indication identifies one or more reference signal resources in which the UE is to perform measurement of the one or more reference signals ([0109], [0148] and Fig. 12, UE transmitting measurement and reporting configuration 1220 to the network in order to indicate resources associated with PRS to be processed/monitored during the DRX inactive period). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Bao ‘093, since such modification would substantially enhance signaling efficiencies and reduce latency, as suggested by Bao ‘098([0003]). Regarding claim 13, Li ‘226 teaches, wherein the indication is a first indication, and wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the UE to([0146], [0149]-[0152] and Fig. 2, the terminal(UE) transmitting capability information to a bases station. The capability information including UE’s capability of processing positioning signal (i.e. positioning reference signal) during DRX period (active and inactive DRX period)). The combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 teaches all claim limitations above except, transmit a second indication to skip at least one of transmission or reception during the one or more DRX inactive times of the one or more DRX cycles. Bao ‘098 teaches, transmit a second indication to skip at least one of transmission or reception during the one or more DRX inactive times of the one or more DRX cycles ([0141], [0150] and Figs. 9, 12, network device transmitting configuration to skip DL-PRS occasion during the inactive DRX cycle). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Bao ‘093, since such modification would substantially enhance signaling efficiencies and reduce latency, as suggested by Bao ‘098([0003]). Regarding claim 34, the combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 teaches all claim limitations above except, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the network node to transmit a reference signal during a DRX inactive time for use by the UE in beam management. Bao ‘098 teaches, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the network node to transmit a reference signal during a DRX inactive time for use by the UE in beam management ([0117]- [0118] DL PRS in DRX inactive time being used for beam management). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Bao ‘093, since such modification would substantially enhance signaling efficiencies and reduce latency, as suggested by Bao ‘098([0003]). Regarding claim 36, the combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 teaches all claim limitations above except, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the network node to transmit a communication indicating an activation of a time duration for the DRX cycle of the one or more DRX cycles. Bao ‘098 teaches, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the network node to transmit a communication indicating an activation of a time duration for the DRX cycle of the one or more DRX cycles ([0152], [0156], [0181], network device transmitting trigger/activation message for the DRX cycle). Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Bao ‘093, since such modification would substantially enhance signaling efficiencies and reduce latency, as suggested by Bao ‘098([0003]). Claim 41 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 as applied to claims above, and further in view of Kim et al(US 2026/0040326 A1). Regarding claim 41, the combination of Li ‘226 and Rungta ‘516 teaches all claim limitations above except, wherein the one or more reference signal occasions excluded from the subset are based on corresponding index numbers of the one or more reference signal occasions. Kim ‘326 teaches, wherein the one or more reference signal occasions excluded from the subset are based on corresponding index numbers of the one or more reference signal occasions([0262], [0263], excluding reference signal occasions based on index number, “if SSB index set A is set to {0, 1} and SSB index set B is set to {0, 1, 2, 3}, the terminal may apply SSB index set A if it is not the active time of the base station, and apply SSB index set B if it is the active time of the base station, and perform measurement”) . Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the communication system of Li ‘226 by incorporating the teaching of Kim ‘326, since such modification would provide an efficient method for dynamically turning on/off at least one SSB (synchronization signal/physical broadcast channel block) in a wireless communication system, as suggested by ([0008]). 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 AWET A HAILE whose telephone number is (571)270-3114. The examiner can normally be reached Monday through Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM EST. 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, Michael Thier can be reached at (571)272-2832. 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. /AWET HAILE/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2474
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Prosecution Timeline

Nov 03, 2023
Application Filed
Feb 12, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Apr 23, 2026
Interview Requested
Apr 28, 2026
Applicant Interview (Telephonic)
Apr 28, 2026
Examiner Interview Summary
May 12, 2026
Response Filed
Jul 15, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
79%
Grant Probability
99%
With Interview (+25.5%)
3y 0m (~3m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
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