DETAILED ACTION
This office action is a response to an amendment filed on 12/10/2025.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 12/10/2025 is acknowledged.
Response to Amendment
The Amendment filed on 12/10/2025 has been entered.
Claims 1-16 and 18-21 are pending
Claims 1-3, 5-7, 9-14, 16, and 18-20 are amended
Claim 17 is canceled
Claim 21 is new
Claims 1-16 and 18-21 remain rejected.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
(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 1-4, 7-16 and 18-21 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Li et al. (US 20240121804 A1), hereinafter referenced as Li.
Regarding claims 1, 13 and 20, Li teaches an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (Fig. 3, Para. [0039]-Li discloses the communication device 300 may include an input device 302, an output device 304, a control circuit 306, a central processing unit (CPU) 308, a memory 310, a program code 312, and a transceiver 314. The control circuit 306 executes the program code 312 in the memory 310 through the CPU 308, thereby controlling an operation of the communications device 300. Para. [0005-0006]-Li discloses methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for downlink control information for scheduling sidelink reference signal in a wireless communication system such that a UE can, for Downlink Control Information (DCI) from a network node, distinguish which kind of sidelink resources are scheduled ... a method of a first device in a wireless communication system comprises receiving configuration of one or more first sidelink resource pools for at least sidelink data transmission and configuration of one or more second sidelink resource pools for sidelink reference signal transmission, receiving a DCI for sidelink, wherein the DCI comprises a resource pool index corresponding to one sidelink resource pool), cause the apparatus at least to:
receive a configuration indicative of at least a first resource pool and a second resource pool (Figs. 3-4, Para. [0501]-Li discloses receive configuration of one or more first sidelink resource pools for at least sidelink data transmission and configuration of one or more second sidelink resource pools for sidelink reference signal transmission; (ii) receive a DCI for sidelink, wherein the DCI comprises a resource pool index corresponding to one sidelink resource pool; (iii) determine the DCI for scheduling sidelink data transmission or sidelink reference signal transmission based on at least the resource pool index or the one sidelink resource pool),
the first resource pool comprises at least one shared resource pool and the second resource pool comprises at least one dedicated resource pool (Para. [0322-0324]-Li discloses for supporting SL positioning/ranging: … dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS {Sidelink positioning reference signal});
the configuration is indicative of a mapping between individual resource pool indices and individual resource pools in the first resource pool and the second resource pool (Para. [0222]-Li discloses Mapping to Slots in a Downlink PRS Resource Set {Corresponding to the mapping of Slots (as Resource Pool 1) versus Positioning Reference Signals (as Resource Pool 2)}. Table 7.4.1.7.3-1, Para. [0222]-Li discloses frequency offset k′ as a function of l − l.sub.start.sup.PRS {Corresponding to the mapping of Frequency Offset (as Resource Pool 1) versus Positioning Reference Signals (as Resource Pool 2)}. Para. [0063]-Li discloses in the frequency domain, a sidelink resource pool consists of sl-NumSubchannel contiguous sub-channels. A sub-channel consists of sl-SubchannelSize contiguous PRBs, where sl-NumSubchannel and sl-SubchannelSize are higher layer parameters {Corresponding to the mapping of sub-channels (as Resource Pool 1) versus Physical Resource Blocks (as Resource Pool 2)}),
an individual resource pool being an allocated one of the at least one shared resource pool of the first resource pool or the at least one dedicated resource pool of the second resource pool (Para. [0212]-Li discloses Mapping to Physical Resources in a Downlink PRS {Positioning Reference Signal} Resource. Para. [0322-0324]-Li discloses for supporting SL positioning/ranging: … dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS. Para. [0062-0069]-Li discloses UE can be configured by higher layers with one or more sidelink resource pools. A sidelink resource pool can be for transmission of PSSCH {Shared} … and can be associated with either sidelink resource allocation mode 1 or sidelink resource allocation mode 2. Para. [0064-0069]-Li discloses the set of slots that may belong to a sidelink resource pool is denoted by (t.sub.0.sup.SL, t.sub.1.sup.SL, . . . , t.sub.T.sub.max.sub.-1.sup.SL) ... The UE determines the set of slots assigned {Allocated} to a sidelink resource pool as follows: ... a bitmap (b.sub.0, b.sub.1, . . . , b.sub.L.sub.bitmap.sub.-1) associated with the resource pool is used where L.sub.bitmap the length of the bitmap is configured by higher layers);
receive downlink control information comprising a resource pool index (Figs. 3-4, Para. [0501]-Li discloses receive a DCI for sidelink, wherein the DCI comprises a resource pool index corresponding to one sidelink resource pool),
the downlink control information has downlink control information format 3_0 (Para. [0096]-Li discloses for sidelink dynamic grant, the PSSCH transmission is scheduled by a DCI format 3_0); and
determine, based on the received resource pool index and the mapping, an allocated resource pool in the first resource pool or in the second resource pool to use for transmission (Para. [0062-0069]-Li discloses UE can be configured by higher layers with one or more sidelink resource pools. A sidelink resource pool can be for transmission of PSSCH {Shared} … and can be associated with either sidelink resource allocation mode 1 or sidelink resource allocation mode 2 ... a sidelink resource pool consists of sl-NumSubchannel contiguous sub-channels ... The set of slots that may belong to a sidelink resource pool is denoted by (t.sub.0.sup.SL, t.sub.1.sup.SL, . . . , t.sub.T.sub.max.sub.-1.sup.SL) ... arranged in increasing order of slot index ... The UE determines the set of slots assigned {Allocated} to a sidelink resource pool as follows: ... a bitmap (b.sub.0, b.sub.1, . . . , b.sub.L.sub.bitmap.sub.-1) associated with the resource pool is used where L.sub.bitmap the length of the bitmap is configured by higher layers).
Regarding claims 2 and 14, Li teaches the apparatus of claim 1 and the method of claim 13 respectively,
Li further teaches the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least one of: based on determining that the allocated resource pool is in the first resource pool, perform transmission on the allocated resource pool in the first resource pool (Para. [0005]-Li discloses UE can, for Downlink Control Information (DCI) from a network node, distinguish which kind of sidelink resources are scheduled. Para. [0006]-Li discloses determining a sidelink resource based on the acquired or determined fields, or the information in the DCI, and performing a sidelink transmission on the sidelink resource in the one sidelink resource pool. Fig. 8, Para. [0469]-Li discloses determining sidelink resource(s) based on the interpretation/decoding/acquisition of bits or fields in the DCI (step 1006), and performing sidelink transmission on the sidelink resource(s) (step 1008). Para. [0322-0324]-Li discloses for supporting SL positioning/ranging: … dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS {Sidelink positioning reference signal}. Para. [0068]-Li discloses the UE determines the set of slots assigned {Allocated} to a sidelink resource pool as follows: ... a bitmap (b.sub.0, b.sub.1, . . . , b.sub.L.sub.bitmap.sub.-1) associated with the resource pool is used where L.sub.bitmap the length of the bitmap is configured by higher layers); or
based on determining that the allocated resource pool is in the second resource pool, perform discovery on the allocated resource pool in the second resource pool (Para. [0005]-Li discloses UE can, for Downlink Control Information (DCI) from a network node, distinguish which kind of sidelink resources are scheduled. Para. [0322-0324]-Li discloses for supporting SL positioning/ranging: … dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS {Sidelink positioning reference signal}. Para. [0411]-Li discloses the number of resource pools configured for sidelink data transmission (e.g., I.sub.PSSCH) comprises resource pool associated with data associated with discovery. Para. [0441]-Li discloses (when TX UE is configured with at least one sidelink resource pool with SL PRS or configured with performing SL PRS transmission. Para. [0068]-Li discloses the UE determines the set of slots assigned {Allocated} to a sidelink resource pool as follows: ... a bitmap (b.sub.0, b.sub.1, . . . , b.sub.L.sub.bitmap.sub.-1) associated with the resource pool is used where L.sub.bitmap the length of the bitmap is configured by higher layers),
the discovery is performed to find user equipment for sidelink communication (Para. [0441]-Li discloses (when TX UE is configured with at least one sidelink resource pool with SL PRS or configured with performing SL PRS transmission. Para. [0068]-Li discloses the UE determines the set of slots assigned {Allocated} to a sidelink resource pool as follows: ... a bitmap (b.sub.0, b.sub.1, . . . , b.sub.L.sub.bitmap.sub.-1) associated with the resource pool is used where L.sub.bitmap the length of the bitmap is configured by higher layers).
Regarding claim 3, Li teaches the apparatus of claim 1,
Li further teaches the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to act as a sidelink relay (Para. [0335]-Li discloses one in-coverage UE could help to request SL-PRS for other out-of-coverage Ues ... the request of SL-PRS may include both the SL-PRS requirement for UE-A itself and for another OOC {out-of-coverage} UE).
Regarding claims 4 and 15, Li teaches the apparatus of claim 1 and the method of claim 13 respectively,
Li further teaches the at least one dedicated resource pool comprises at least one discovery resource pool (Para. [0322-0324]-Li discloses for supporting SL positioning/ranging: … dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS {Sidelink positioning reference signal}. Para. [0411]-Li discloses the number of resource pools configured for sidelink data transmission (e.g., I.sub.PSSCH) comprises resource pool associated with data associated with discovery).
Regarding claims 7 and 16, Li teaches the apparatus of claim 1 and the method of claim 13 respectively,
Li further teaches the resource pool indices are values in a range comprising a first range and a second range (Para. [0130]-Li discloses Resource pool index—┌log.sub.2 I┐ bits, where I is the number of resource pools for transmission configured by the higher layer parameter sl-TxPoolScheduling. Para. [0073]-Li discloses the resource block pool consists of N.sub.PRB PRBs. Para. [0052-0056]-Li discloses resource assignment field and the time resource assignment field as described in [6, TS 38.214] to indicate N resources from a set {R.sub.y} of resources selected by higher layers as described in [11, TS 38.321] with N smallest slot indices y.sub.i for 0≤i≤N−1 such that y.sub.0<y.sub.1<y.sub.N-1≤y.sub.0+31, where: [0053] N=min(N.sub.selected, N.sub.max_reserve), where N.sub.selected is a number of resources in the set {R.sub.y} with slot indices y.sub.j, 0≤j≤N.sub.selected−1, such that y.sub.0<y.sub.1< . . . <y.sub.N.sub.selected.sub.-1≤y.sub.0+31, and N.sub.max_reserve is provided by sl-MaxNumPerReserve [0054] each resource, from the set of {R.sub.y} resources, corresponds to L.sub.subCH contiguous sub-channels and a slot in a set of slots {t′.sub.y.sup.SL}, where L.sub.subCH is the number of sub-channels available for PSSCH/PSCCH transmission in a slot [0055] (t′.sub.0.sup.SL, t′.sub.1.sup.SL, t′.sub.2.sup.SL, . . . ) is a set of slots in a sidelink resource pool [6, TS 38.214] [0056] y.sub.0 is an index of a slot where the PSCCH with SCI format 1-A is transmitted); and
a value in the first range corresponds to an allocated one of the at least one shared resource pool in the first resource pool (Para. [0130]-Li discloses Resource pool index—┌log.sub.2 I┐ bits, where I is the number of resource pools for transmission configured by the higher layer parameter sl-TxPoolScheduling. Para. [0073]-Li discloses the resource block pool consists of N.sub.PRB PRBs. Para. [0052-0056]-Li discloses resource assignment field and the time resource assignment field as described in [6, TS 38.214] to indicate N resources from a set {R.sub.y} of resources selected by higher layers as described in [11, TS 38.321] with N smallest slot indices y.sub.i for 0≤i≤N−1 such that y.sub.0<y.sub.1<y.sub.N-1≤y.sub.0+31, where: [0053] N=min(N.sub.selected, N.sub.max_reserve), where N.sub.selected is a number of resources in the set {R.sub.y} with slot indices y.sub.j, 0≤j≤N.sub.selected−1, such that y.sub.0<y.sub.1< . . . <y.sub.N.sub.selected.sub.-1≤y.sub.0+31, and N.sub.max_reserve is provided by sl-MaxNumPerReserve [0054] each resource, from the set of {R.sub.y} resources, corresponds to L.sub.subCH contiguous sub-channels and a slot in a set of slots {t′.sub.y.sup.SL}, where L.sub.subCH is the number of sub-channels available for PSSCH/PSCCH transmission in a slot [0055] (t′.sub.0.sup.SL, t′.sub.1.sup.SL, t′.sub.2.sup.SL, . . . ) is a set of slots in a sidelink resource pool [6, TS 38.214] [0056] y.sub.0 is an index of a slot where the PSCCH with SCI format 1-A is transmitted. Para. [0110]-Li discloses number of contiguously allocated sub-channels for each of the N resources L.sub.subCH≥1 and the starting sub-channel indexes of resources indicated by the received SCI format 1-A. Para. [0134]-Li discloses Lowest index of the subchannel allocation to the initial transmission. Para. [0364]-Li discloses LMF or gNB Allocates the SL PRS Resources to UE, DCI Indicates at Least the Resource Pool Index and SL PRS Resource Information); and
a value in the second range corresponds to an allocated one of the at least one dedicated resource pool in the second resource pool (Para. [0130]-Li discloses Resource pool index—┌log.sub.2 I┐ bits, where I is the number of resource pools for transmission configured by the higher layer parameter sl-TxPoolScheduling. Para. [0073]-Li discloses the resource block pool consists of N.sub.PRB PRBs. Para. [0052-0056]-Li discloses resource assignment field and the time resource assignment field as described in [6, TS 38.214] to indicate N resources from a set {R.sub.y} of resources selected by higher layers as described in [11, TS 38.321] with N smallest slot indices y.sub.i for 0≤i≤N−1 such that y.sub.0<y.sub.1<y.sub.N-1≤y.sub.0+31, where: [0053] N=min(N.sub.selected, N.sub.max_reserve), where N.sub.selected is a number of resources in the set {R.sub.y} with slot indices y.sub.j, 0≤j≤N.sub.selected−1, such that y.sub.0<y.sub.1< . . . <y.sub.N.sub.selected.sub.-1≤y.sub.0+31, and N.sub.max_reserve is provided by sl-MaxNumPerReserve [0054] each resource, from the set of {R.sub.y} resources, corresponds to L.sub.subCH contiguous sub-channels and a slot in a set of slots {t′.sub.y.sup.SL}, where L.sub.subCH is the number of sub-channels available for PSSCH/PSCCH transmission in a slot [0055] (t′.sub.0.sup.SL, t′.sub.1.sup.SL, t′.sub.2.sup.SL, . . . ) is a set of slots in a sidelink resource pool [6, TS 38.214] [0056] y.sub.0 is an index of a slot where the PSCCH with SCI format 1-A is transmitted. Para. [0110]-Li discloses number of contiguously allocated sub-channels for each of the N resources L.sub.subCH≥1 and the starting sub-channel indexes of resources indicated by the received SCI format 1-A. Para. [0134]-Li discloses Lowest index of the subchannel allocation to the initial transmission. Para. [0364]-Li discloses LMF or gNB Allocates the SL PRS Resources to UE, DCI Indicates at Least the Resource Pool Index and SL PRS Resource Information).
Regarding claims 8 and 17, Li teaches the apparatus of claim 7 and the method of claim 16 respectively,
Li further teaches sizes of the first range and the second range have been pre-configured or depend on a channel busy ratio (Para. [0385]-Li discloses sidelink transmission resource(s) within sidelink resources configured by the base station/network node or pre-configured sidelink resources. Para. [0130]-Li discloses Resource pool index—┌log.sub.2 I┐ bits, where I is the number of resource pools for transmission configured by the higher layer parameter sl-TxPoolScheduling. Para. [0073]-Li discloses the resource block pool consists of N.sub.PRB PRBs. Para. [0052-0056]-Li discloses resource assignment field and the time resource assignment field as described in [6, TS 38.214] to indicate N resources from a set {R.sub.y} of resources selected by higher layers as described in [11, TS 38.321] with N smallest slot indices y.sub.i for 0≤i≤N−1 such that y.sub.0<y.sub.1<y.sub.N-1≤y.sub.0+31, where: [0053] N=min(N.sub.selected, N.sub.max_reserve), where N.sub.selected is a number of resources in the set {R.sub.y} with slot indices y.sub.j, 0≤j≤N.sub.selected−1, such that y.sub.0<y.sub.1< . . . <y.sub.N.sub.selected.sub.-1≤y.sub.0+31, and N.sub.max_reserve is provided by sl-MaxNumPerReserve [0054] each resource, from the set of {R.sub.y} resources, corresponds to L.sub.subCH contiguous sub-channels and a slot in a set of slots {t′.sub.y.sup.SL}, where L.sub.subCH is the number of sub-channels available for PSSCH/PSCCH transmission in a slot [0055] (t′.sub.0.sup.SL, t′.sub.1.sup.SL, t′.sub.2.sup.SL, . . . ) is a set of slots in a sidelink resource pool [6, TS 38.214] [0056] y.sub.0 is an index of a slot where the PSCCH with SCI format 1-A is transmitted).
Regarding claims 9 and 18, Li teaches the apparatus of claim 1 and the method of claim 13 respectively,
Li further teaches the received resource pool index corresponds to an allocated one of the at least one shared resource pool in the first resource pool, in an instance in which a time slot associated with a grant indicated in the downlink control information is odd (Para. [0324]-Li discloses dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS. Table 7.4.1.7.3-1, Para. [0223-0224]-Li discloses Mapping to Slots in a Downlink PRS Resource Set … the downlink PRS resource slot offset T.sub.offset,res.sup.PRS is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceSlotOffset; [0232] the repetition factor T.sub.rep.sup.PRS∈{1,2,4,6,8,16,32} is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceRepetitionFactor; [0233] the muting repetition factor T.sub.muting.sup.PRS is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-MutingBitRepetitionFactor; [0234] the time gap T.sub.gap.sup.PRS∈{1,2,4,8,16,32} is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceTimeGap. Para. [0099]-Li discloses “Time gap” field value m of the DCI format 30 provides an index m+1 into a slot offset table. Para. [0100]-Li discloses SL slot of the corresponding resource pool ... where T.sub.DL is the starting time of the downlink slot carrying the corresponding DCI, T.sub.TA is the timing advance value corresponding to the TAG of the serving cell on which the DCI is received and K.sub.SL is the slot offset between the slot of the DCI and the first sidelink transmission scheduled by DCI and T.sub.slot is the SL slot duration); or
the received resource pool index corresponds to an allocated one of the at least one dedicated resource pool in the second resource pool, if in an instance in which a time slot associated with a grant indicated in the downlink control information is even (Para. [0324]-Li discloses dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS. Table 7.4.1.7.3-1, Para. [0223-0224]-Li discloses Mapping to Slots in a Downlink PRS Resource Set … the downlink PRS resource slot offset T.sub.offset,res.sup.PRS is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceSlotOffset; [0232] the repetition factor T.sub.rep.sup.PRS∈{1,2,4,6,8,16,32} is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceRepetitionFactor; [0233] the muting repetition factor T.sub.muting.sup.PRS is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-MutingBitRepetitionFactor; [0234] the time gap T.sub.gap.sup.PRS∈{1,2,4,8,16,32} is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceTimeGap. Para. [0099]-Li discloses “Time gap” field value m of the DCI format 30 provides an index m+1 into a slot offset table. Para. [0100]-Li discloses SL slot of the corresponding resource pool ... where T.sub.DL is the starting time of the downlink slot carrying the corresponding DCI, T.sub.TA is the timing advance value corresponding to the TAG of the serving cell on which the DCI is received and K.sub.SL is the slot offset between the slot of the DCI and the first sidelink transmission scheduled by DCI and T.sub.slot is the SL slot duration).
Regarding claims 10 and 19, Li teaches the apparatus of claim 1 and the method of claim 13 respectively,
Li further teaches the received resource pool index corresponds to an allocated one of the at least one shared resource pool in the first resource pool, in an instance in which a time slot associated with a grant indicated in the downlink control information is even (Para. [0324]-Li discloses dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS. Table 7.4.1.7.3-1, Para. [0223-0224]-Li discloses Mapping to Slots in a Downlink PRS Resource Set … the downlink PRS resource slot offset T.sub.offset,res.sup.PRS is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceSlotOffset; [0232] the repetition factor T.sub.rep.sup.PRS∈{1,2,4,6,8,16,32} is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceRepetitionFactor; [0233] the muting repetition factor T.sub.muting.sup.PRS is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-MutingBitRepetitionFactor; [0234] the time gap T.sub.gap.sup.PRS∈{1,2,4,8,16,32} is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceTimeGap. Para. [0099]-Li discloses “Time gap” field value m of the DCI format 30 provides an index m+1 into a slot offset table. Para. [0100]-Li discloses SL slot of the corresponding resource pool ... where T.sub.DL is the starting time of the downlink slot carrying the corresponding DCI, T.sub.TA is the timing advance value corresponding to the TAG of the serving cell on which the DCI is received and K.sub.SL is the slot offset between the slot of the DCI and the first sidelink transmission scheduled by DCI and T.sub.slot is the SL slot duration); or
the received resource pool index corresponds to an allocated one of the at least one dedicated resource pool in the second resource pool, in an instance in which a time slot associated with a grant indicated in the downlink control information is odd (Para. [0324]-Li discloses dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS. Table 7.4.1.7.3-1, Para. [0223-0224]-Li discloses Mapping to Slots in a Downlink PRS Resource Set … the downlink PRS resource slot offset T.sub.offset,res.sup.PRS is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceSlotOffset; [0232] the repetition factor T.sub.rep.sup.PRS∈{1,2,4,6,8,16,32} is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceRepetitionFactor; [0233] the muting repetition factor T.sub.muting.sup.PRS is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-MutingBitRepetitionFactor; [0234] the time gap T.sub.gap.sup.PRS∈{1,2,4,8,16,32} is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceTimeGap. Para. [0099]-Li discloses “Time gap” field value m of the DCI format 30 provides an index m+1 into a slot offset table. Para. [0100]-Li discloses SL slot of the corresponding resource pool ... where T.sub.DL is the starting time of the downlink slot carrying the corresponding DCI, T.sub.TA is the timing advance value corresponding to the TAG of the serving cell on which the DCI is received and K.sub.SL is the slot offset between the slot of the DCI and the first sidelink transmission scheduled by DCI and T.sub.slot is the SL slot duration).
Regarding claim 11, Li teaches the apparatus of claim 1,
Li further teaches the received resource pool index corresponds to an allocated one of the at least one shared resource pool in the first resource pool, in an instance in which a time gap indicated in the downlink control information is odd (Para. [0324]-Li discloses dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS. Table 7.4.1.7.3-1, Para. [0223-0224]-Li discloses Mapping to Slots in a Downlink PRS Resource Set … the downlink PRS resource slot offset T.sub.offset,res.sup.PRS is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceSlotOffset; [0232] the repetition factor T.sub.rep.sup.PRS∈{1,2,4,6,8,16,32} is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceRepetitionFactor; [0233] the muting repetition factor T.sub.muting.sup.PRS is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-MutingBitRepetitionFactor; [0234] the time gap T.sub.gap.sup.PRS∈{1,2,4,8,16,32} is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceTimeGap. Para. [0099]-Li discloses “Time gap” field value m of the DCI format 30 provides an index m+1 into a slot offset table. Para. [0100]-Li discloses SL slot of the corresponding resource pool ... where T.sub.DL is the starting time of the downlink slot carrying the corresponding DCI, T.sub.TA is the timing advance value corresponding to the TAG of the serving cell on which the DCI is received and K.sub.SL is the slot offset between the slot of the DCI and the first sidelink transmission scheduled by DCI and T.sub.slot is the SL slot duration); or
the received resource pool index corresponds to an allocated one of the at least one dedicated resource pool in the second resource pool, in an instance in which a time gap indicated in the downlink control information is even (Para. [0324]-Li discloses dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS. Table 7.4.1.7.3-1, Para. [0223-0224]-Li discloses Mapping to Slots in a Downlink PRS Resource Set … the downlink PRS resource slot offset T.sub.offset,res.sup.PRS is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceSlotOffset; [0232] the repetition factor T.sub.rep.sup.PRS∈{1,2,4,6,8,16,32} is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceRepetitionFactor; [0233] the muting repetition factor T.sub.muting.sup.PRS is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-MutingBitRepetitionFactor; [0234] the time gap T.sub.gap.sup.PRS∈{1,2,4,8,16,32} is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceTimeGap. Para. [0099]-Li discloses “Time gap” field value m of the DCI format 30 provides an index m+1 into a slot offset table. Para. [0100]-Li discloses SL slot of the corresponding resource pool ... where T.sub.DL is the starting time of the downlink slot carrying the corresponding DCI, T.sub.TA is the timing advance value corresponding to the TAG of the serving cell on which the DCI is received and K.sub.SL is the slot offset between the slot of the DCI and the first sidelink transmission scheduled by DCI and T.sub.slot is the SL slot duration).
Regarding claim 12, Li teaches the apparatus of claim 1,
Li further teaches the received resource pool index corresponds to an allocated one of the at least one shared resource pool in the first resource pool, in an instance in which a time gap indicated in the downlink control information is even (Para. [0324]-Li discloses dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS. Table 7.4.1.7.3-1, Para. [0223-0224]-Li discloses Mapping to Slots in a Downlink PRS Resource Set … the downlink PRS resource slot offset T.sub.offset,res.sup.PRS is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceSlotOffset; [0232] the repetition factor T.sub.rep.sup.PRS∈{1,2,4,6,8,16,32} is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceRepetitionFactor; [0233] the muting repetition factor T.sub.muting.sup.PRS is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-MutingBitRepetitionFactor; [0234] the time gap T.sub.gap.sup.PRS∈{1,2,4,8,16,32} is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceTimeGap. Para. [0099]-Li discloses “Time gap” field value m of the DCI format 30 provides an index m+1 into a slot offset table. Para. [0100]-Li discloses SL slot of the corresponding resource pool ... where T.sub.DL is the starting time of the downlink slot carrying the corresponding DCI, T.sub.TA is the timing advance value corresponding to the TAG of the serving cell on which the DCI is received and K.sub.SL is the slot offset between the slot of the DCI and the first sidelink transmission scheduled by DCI and T.sub.slot is the SL slot duration); or
the received resource pool index corresponds to an allocated one of the at least one dedicated resource pool in the second resource pool, in an instance in which a time gap indicated in the downlink control information is odd (Para. [0324]-Li discloses dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS. Table 7.4.1.7.3-1, Para. [0223-0224]-Li discloses Mapping to Slots in a Downlink PRS Resource Set … the downlink PRS resource slot offset T.sub.offset,res.sup.PRS is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceSlotOffset; [0232] the repetition factor T.sub.rep.sup.PRS∈{1,2,4,6,8,16,32} is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceRepetitionFactor; [0233] the muting repetition factor T.sub.muting.sup.PRS is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-MutingBitRepetitionFactor; [0234] the time gap T.sub.gap.sup.PRS∈{1,2,4,8,16,32} is given by the higher-layer parameter dl-PRS-ResourceTimeGap. Para. [0099]-Li discloses “Time gap” field value m of the DCI format 30 provides an index m+1 into a slot offset table. Para. [0100]-Li discloses SL slot of the corresponding resource pool ... where T.sub.DL is the starting time of the downlink slot carrying the corresponding DCI, T.sub.TA is the timing advance value corresponding to the TAG of the serving cell on which the DCI is received and K.sub.SL is the slot offset between the slot of the DCI and the first sidelink transmission scheduled by DCI and T.sub.slot is the SL slot duration).
Regarding claim 21, Li teaches the apparatus of claim 1,
Li further teaches for the mapping, some of the resource pool indices map to individual allocated ones of the at least one shared resource pool in the first resource pool, and remaining ones of the resource pool indices map to individual allocated ones of the at least one dedicated resource pool in the second resource pool (Para. [0212]-Li discloses Mapping to Physical Resources in a Downlink PRS {Positioning Reference Signal} Resource. Para. [0322-0324]-Li discloses for supporting SL positioning/ranging: … dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS. Para. [0062-0069]-Li discloses UE can be configured by higher layers with one or more sidelink resource pools. A sidelink resource pool can be for transmission of PSSCH {Shared} … and can be associated with either sidelink resource allocation mode 1 or sidelink resource allocation mode 2. Para. [0064-0069]-Li discloses the set of slots that may belong to a sidelink resource pool is denoted by (t.sub.0.sup.SL, t.sub.1.sup.SL, . . . , t.sub.T.sub.max.sub.-1.sup.SL) ... The UE determines the set of slots assigned {Allocated} to a sidelink resource pool as follows: ... a bitmap (b.sub.0, b.sub.1, . . . , b.sub.L.sub.bitmap.sub.-1) associated with the resource pool is used where L.sub.bitmap the length of the bitmap is configured by higher layers).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102 of this title, 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 5-6 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Li et al. (US 20240121804 A1), hereinafter referenced as Li, in view of MING-CHE et al. (US 20240048324 A1), hereinafter referenced as Ming-Che.
Regarding claim 5, Li teaches the apparatus of claim 1,
Li further teaches the resource pool indices are integers (Para. [0130]-Li discloses Resource pool index—┌log.sub.2 I┐ bits, where I is the number of resource pools for transmission configured by the higher layer parameter sl-TxPoolScheduling. Para. [0073]-Li discloses the resource block pool consists of N.sub.PRB PRBs. Para. [0052-0056]-Li discloses resource assignment field and the time resource assignment field as described in [6, TS 38.214] to indicate N resources from a set {R.sub.y} of resources selected by higher layers as described in [11, TS 38.321] with N smallest slot indices y.sub.i for 0≤i≤N−1 such that y.sub.0<y.sub.1<y.sub.N-1≤y.sub.0+31, where: [0053] N=min(N.sub.selected, N.sub.max_reserve), where N.sub.selected is a number of resources in the set {R.sub.y} with slot indices y.sub.j, 0≤j≤N.sub.selected−1, such that y.sub.0<y.sub.1< . . . <y.sub.N.sub.selected.sub.-1≤y.sub.0+31, and N.sub.max_reserve is provided by sl-MaxNumPerReserve [0054] each resource, from the set of {R.sub.y} resources, corresponds to L.sub.subCH contiguous sub-channels and a slot in a set of slots {t′.sub.y.sup.SL}, where L.sub.subCH is the number of sub-channels available for PSSCH/PSCCH transmission in a slot [0055] (t′.sub.0.sup.SL, t′.sub.1.sup.SL, t′.sub.2.sup.SL, . . . ) is a set of slots in a sidelink resource pool [6, TS 38.214] [0056] y.sub.0 is an index of a slot where the PSCCH with SCI format 1-A is transmitted); and
an allocated one of the at least one shared resource pool in the first resource pool (Para. [0110]-Li discloses number of contiguously allocated sub-channels for each of the N resources L.sub.subCH≥1 and the starting sub-channel indexes of resources indicated by the received SCI format 1-A. Para. [0134]-Li discloses Lowest index of the subchannel allocation to the initial transmission. Para. [0364]-Li discloses LMF or gNB Allocates the SL PRS Resources to UE, DCI Indicates at Least the Resource Pool Index and SL PRS Resource Information. Para. [0130]-Li discloses Resource pool index—┌log.sub.2 I┐ bits, where I is the number of resource pools for transmission configured by the higher layer parameter sl-TxPoolScheduling. Para. [0073]-Li discloses the resource block pool consists of N.sub.PRB PRBs. Para. [0322-0324]-Li discloses for supporting SL positioning/ranging: … dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS {Sidelink positioning reference signal}); and
an allocated one of the at least one dedicated resource pool in the second resource pool (Para. [0110]-Li discloses number of contiguously allocated sub-channels for each of the N resources L.sub.subCH≥1 and the starting sub-channel indexes of resources indicated by the received SCI format 1-A. Para. [0134]-Li discloses Lowest index of the subchannel allocation to the initial transmission. Para. [0364]-Li discloses LMF or gNB Allocates the SL PRS Resources to UE, DCI Indicates at Least the Resource Pool Index and SL PRS Resource Information. Para. [0130]-Li discloses Resource pool index—┌log.sub.2 I┐ bits, where I is the number of resource pools for transmission configured by the higher layer parameter sl-TxPoolScheduling. Para. [0073]-Li discloses the resource block pool consists of N.sub.PRB PRBs. Para. [0322-0324]-Li discloses for supporting SL positioning/ranging: … dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS {Sidelink positioning reference signal}).
Li fails to teach an odd resource pool index …; and an even resource pool index.
However, Ming-Che teaches an odd resource pool index corresponds to an allocated one of the at least one shared resource pool in the first resource pool (Para. [0358]-Ming-Che discloses the resource pool for SL PRS may be a shared resource pool with sidelink communication. The resource pool for SL PRS may comprise PSSCH and/or PSFCH resources. Figs. 18-19, Para. [0322]-Ming-Che discloses in some examples, for the former SL PRS occasion, corresponding frequency resources of SCI/PSCCH may be restricted/limited/confined in first part of PRBs/sub-channels of the dedicated resource pool (e.g., half of PRBs/sub-channels with smaller PRBs/sub-channels index such as shown with respect to the example structure 1818 of FIG. 18I, or candidate/available frequency resources of SCI/PSCCH with odd index such as shown with respect to the example structure 1816 of FIG. 18H). In some examples, for the later SL PRS occasion, corresponding frequency resources of SCI/PSCCH may be restricted/limited/confined in second part of PRBs/sub-channels of the dedicated resource pool (e.g., half of PRBs/sub-channels with larger PRBs/sub-channels index such as shown with respect to the example structure 1818 of FIG. 18I, or candidate/available frequency resources of SCI/PSCCH with even index such as shown with respect to the example structure 1816 of FIG. 18H). In the present disclosure, the term “candidate/available” may refer to candidate and/or available); and
an even resource pool index corresponds to an allocated one of the at least one dedicated resource pool in the second resource pool (Para. [0358]-Ming-Che discloses the resource pool for SL PRS may be a shared resource pool with sidelink communication. The resource pool for SL PRS may comprise PSSCH and/or PSFCH resources. Figs. 18-19, Para. [0322]-Ming-Che discloses in some examples, for the former SL PRS occasion, corresponding frequency resources of SCI/PSCCH may be restricted/limited/confined in first part of PRBs/sub-channels of the dedicated resource pool (e.g., half of PRBs/sub-channels with smaller PRBs/sub-channels index such as shown with respect to the example structure 1818 of FIG. 18I, or candidate/available frequency resources of SCI/PSCCH with odd index such as shown with respect to the example structure 1816 of FIG. 18H). In some examples, for the later SL PRS occasion, corresponding frequency resources of SCI/PSCCH may be restricted/limited/confined in second part of PRBs/sub-channels of the dedicated resource pool (e.g., half of PRBs/sub-channels with larger PRBs/sub-channels index such as shown with respect to the example structure 1818 of FIG. 18I, or candidate/available frequency resources of SCI/PSCCH with even index such as shown with respect to the example structure 1816 of FIG. 18H). In the present disclosure, the term “candidate/available” may refer to candidate and/or available).
Li and Ming-Che are both considered to be analogous to the claimed invention because they are in the same field of wireless communication networks, dealing with method and apparatus for sidelink positioning reference signal in a wireless communication system.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to someone of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the Li to incorporate the teachings of Ming-Che on resource pool indices, with a motivation for a shared odd resource pool indices and an dedicated even resource pool indices, and ensure downlink control information for scheduling sidelink reference signal in a wireless communication system such that a UE can, for Downlink Control Information (DCI) from a network node, distinguish which kind of sidelink resources are scheduled without an impact on size increase and decoding complexity (Li, Para. [0005]).
Regarding claim 6, Li teaches the apparatus of claim 1,
Li further teaches the resource pool indices are integers (Para. [0130]-Li discloses Resource pool index—┌log.sub.2 I┐ bits, where I is the number of resource pools for transmission configured by the higher layer parameter sl-TxPoolScheduling. Para. [0073]-Li discloses the resource block pool consists of N.sub.PRB PRBs. Para. [0052-0056]-Li discloses resource assignment field and the time resource assignment field as described in [6, TS 38.214] to indicate N resources from a set {R.sub.y} of resources selected by higher layers as described in [11, TS 38.321] with N smallest slot indices y.sub.i for 0≤i≤N−1 such that y.sub.0<y.sub.1<y.sub.N-1≤y.sub.0+31, where: [0053] N=min(N.sub.selected, N.sub.max_reserve), where N.sub.selected is a number of resources in the set {R.sub.y} with slot indices y.sub.j, 0≤j≤N.sub.selected−1, such that y.sub.0<y.sub.1< . . . <y.sub.N.sub.selected.sub.-1≤y.sub.0+31, and N.sub.max_reserve is provided by sl-MaxNumPerReserve [0054] each resource, from the set of {R.sub.y} resources, corresponds to L.sub.subCH contiguous sub-channels and a slot in a set of slots {t′.sub.y.sup.SL}, where L.sub.subCH is the number of sub-channels available for PSSCH/PSCCH transmission in a slot [0055] (t′.sub.0.sup.SL, t′.sub.1.sup.SL, t′.sub.2.sup.SL, . . . ) is a set of slots in a sidelink resource pool [6, TS 38.214] [0056] y.sub.0 is an index of a slot where the PSCCH with SCI format 1-A is transmitted); and
an allocated one of the at least one shared resource pool in the first resource pool (Para. [0110]-Li discloses number of contiguously allocated sub-channels for each of the N resources L.sub.subCH≥1 and the starting sub-channel indexes of resources indicated by the received SCI format 1-A. Para. [0134]-Li discloses Lowest index of the subchannel allocation to the initial transmission. Para. [0364]-Li discloses LMF or gNB Allocates the SL PRS Resources to UE, DCI Indicates at Least the Resource Pool Index and SL PRS Resource Information. Para. [0130]-Li discloses Resource pool index—┌log.sub.2 I┐ bits, where I is the number of resource pools for transmission configured by the higher layer parameter sl-TxPoolScheduling. Para. [0073]-Li discloses the resource block pool consists of N.sub.PRB PRBs. Para. [0322-0324]-Li discloses for supporting SL positioning/ranging: … dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS {Sidelink positioning reference signal}); and
an allocated one of the at least one dedicated resource pool in the second resource pool (Para. [0110]-Li discloses number of contiguously allocated sub-channels for each of the N resources L.sub.subCH≥1 and the starting sub-channel indexes of resources indicated by the received SCI format 1-A. Para. [0134]-Li discloses Lowest index of the subchannel allocation to the initial transmission. Para. [0364]-Li discloses LMF or gNB Allocates the SL PRS Resources to UE, DCI Indicates at Least the Resource Pool Index and SL PRS Resource Information. Para. [0130]-Li discloses Resource pool index—┌log.sub.2 I┐ bits, where I is the number of resource pools for transmission configured by the higher layer parameter sl-TxPoolScheduling. Para. [0073]-Li discloses the resource block pool consists of N.sub.PRB PRBs. Para. [0322-0324]-Li discloses for supporting SL positioning/ranging: … dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS {Sidelink positioning reference signal}).
Li fails to teach an odd resource pool index …; and an even resource pool index.
However, Ming-Che teaches an even resource pool index corresponds to an allocated one of the at least one shared resource pool in the first resource pool (Para. [0358]-Ming-Che discloses the resource pool for SL PRS may be a shared resource pool with sidelink communication. The resource pool for SL PRS may comprise PSSCH and/or PSFCH resources. Figs. 18-19, Para. [0322]-Ming-Che discloses in some examples, for the former SL PRS occasion, corresponding frequency resources of SCI/PSCCH may be restricted/limited/confined in first part of PRBs/sub-channels of the dedicated resource pool (e.g., half of PRBs/sub-channels with smaller PRBs/sub-channels index such as shown with respect to the example structure 1818 of FIG. 18I, or candidate/available frequency resources of SCI/PSCCH with odd index such as shown with respect to the example structure 1816 of FIG. 18H). In some examples, for the later SL PRS occasion, corresponding frequency resources of SCI/PSCCH may be restricted/limited/confined in second part of PRBs/sub-channels of the dedicated resource pool (e.g., half of PRBs/sub-channels with larger PRBs/sub-channels index such as shown with respect to the example structure 1818 of FIG. 18I, or candidate/available frequency resources of SCI/PSCCH with even index such as shown with respect to the example structure 1816 of FIG. 18H). In the present disclosure, the term “candidate/available” may refer to candidate and/or available); and
an odd resource pool index corresponds to an allocated one of the at least one dedicated resource pool in the second resource pool (Para. [0358]-Ming-Che discloses the resource pool for SL PRS may be a shared resource pool with sidelink communication. The resource pool for SL PRS may comprise PSSCH and/or PSFCH resources. Figs. 18-19, Para. [0322]-Ming-Che discloses in some examples, for the former SL PRS occasion, corresponding frequency resources of SCI/PSCCH may be restricted/limited/confined in first part of PRBs/sub-channels of the dedicated resource pool (e.g., half of PRBs/sub-channels with smaller PRBs/sub-channels index such as shown with respect to the example structure 1818 of FIG. 18I, or candidate/available frequency resources of SCI/PSCCH with odd index such as shown with respect to the example structure 1816 of FIG. 18H). In some examples, for the later SL PRS occasion, corresponding frequency resources of SCI/PSCCH may be restricted/limited/confined in second part of PRBs/sub-channels of the dedicated resource pool (e.g., half of PRBs/sub-channels with larger PRBs/sub-channels index such as shown with respect to the example structure 1818 of FIG. 18I, or candidate/available frequency resources of SCI/PSCCH with even index such as shown with respect to the example structure 1816 of FIG. 18H). In the present disclosure, the term “candidate/available” may refer to candidate and/or available).
Li and Ming-Che are both considered to be analogous to the claimed invention because they are in the same field of wireless communication networks, dealing with method and apparatus for sidelink positioning reference signal in a wireless communication system.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to someone of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the Li to incorporate the teachings of Ming-Che on resource pool indices, with a motivation for a shared even resource pool indices and an dedicated odd resource pool indices, and ensure downlink control information for scheduling sidelink reference signal in a wireless communication system such that a UE can, for Downlink Control Information (DCI) from a network node, distinguish which kind of sidelink resources are scheduled without an impact on size increase and decoding complexity (Li, Para. [0005]).
Response to Arguments
Applicant's Arguments/Remarks, filed on 12/10/2025, with respect to the 35 USC § 102 and 103 rejection of claims 1-16 and 18-21 have been fully considered. Applicant’s arguments are not persuasive.
In the remarks, on page 17, Lines [3-8], Applicant argues that, “While alternative (Alt.) 2 uses dedicated resource pools and shared resource pools for SL (sidelink) communication (PRS, positioning reference signals), there is no indication in this part that a received resource pool index would be used to select between shared and dedicated resource pools, as recited generally in the independent claims. Applicant has looked at all 16 instances of "dedicated" in Li, and none of them relate to a received resource pool index that would be used to select between shared and dedicated resource pools.”
However, Li teaches receive a configuration indicative of at least a first resource pool and a second resource pool (Figs. 3-4, Para. [0501]-Li discloses receive configuration of one or more first sidelink resource pools for at least sidelink data transmission and configuration of one or more second sidelink resource pools for sidelink reference signal transmission; (ii) receive a DCI for sidelink, wherein the DCI comprises a resource pool index corresponding to one sidelink resource pool; (iii) determine the DCI for scheduling sidelink data transmission or sidelink reference signal transmission based on at least the resource pool index or the one sidelink resource pool), wherein the first resource pool comprises at least one shared resource pool and the second resource pool comprises at least one dedicated resource pool (Para. [0322-0324]-Li discloses for supporting SL positioning/ranging: … dedicated resource pool(s) and/or a-shared resource pool(s) with sidelink communication can be (pre-)configured for SL-PRS {Sidelink positioning reference signal}), wherein the configuration is indicative of a mapping between individual resource pool indices and individual resource pools in the first resource pool and the second resource pool (Para. [0222]-Li discloses Mapping to Slots in a Downlink PRS Resource Set {Corresponding to the mapping of Slots (as Resource Pool 1) versus Positioning Reference Signals (as Resource Pool 2)}. Table 7.4.1.7.3-1, Para. [0222]-Li discloses frequency offset k′ as a function of l − l.sub.start.sup.PRS {Corresponding to the mapping of Frequency Offset (as Resource Pool 1) versus Positioning Reference Signals (as Resource Pool 2)}. Para. [0063]-Li discloses in the frequency domain, a sidelink resource pool consists of sl-NumSubchannel contiguous sub-channels. A sub-channel consists of sl-SubchannelSize contiguous PRBs, where sl-NumSubchannel and sl-SubchannelSize are higher layer parameters {Corresponding to the mapping of sub-channels (as Resource Pool 1) versus Physical Resource Blocks (as Resource Pool 2)}).
Conclusion
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.
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/OO/
Examiner, Art Unit 2472
/NICHOLAS A JENSEN/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2472