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 .
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on November 15, 2023 and March 24, 2025 was filed in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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 (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) 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 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 1-3, 6-7, 10, 21-23 and 26-27 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Matsumura et al. (US20240196250A1, hereinafter Matsumura).
For claim 1, Matsumura discloses an apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE) ([Para. 0225] and [FIG. 12], a user terminal that executes the processes of the radio communication method of the present disclosure), comprising: at least one memory ([FIG. 12], a memory 1002 and a storage 1003), and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and ([FIG. 12], a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003. [Para. 0230], the processor 1001 reads programs and data from the storage 1003 into the memory 1002), based at least in part on stored information that is stored in the at least one memory ([Para. 0230], the processor 1001 reads programs and data from the storage 1003 into the memory 1002), the at least one processor, individually or in any combination, is configured to cause the UE to ([Para. 0230], the processor 1001 reads programs and data from the storage 1003 into the memory 1002 and executes various processes according to these): measure a set of reference signals (RSs) for a set of cells ([Para. 0024], The UE may measure the channel state by using a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), a synchronization signal/broadcast channel (Synchronization Signal/Physical Broadcast Channel (SS/PBCH)) block, a synchronization signal (SS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS). [Para. 0069], a UE receives channels/signals from a plurality of cells. [Para. 0130], the UE may transmit a CSI report for only non-serving cells with an L1 measurement result being larger than a specific threshold [Examiner’s Note: The set of cells are the non-serving cells with an L1 measurement result being larger than a specific threshold]), and transmit a measurement report to a network node ([Para. 0101], A UE may, based on a measurement result, transmit an aperiodic CSI report. [Para. 0080], UE transmits separate CSI reports to the respective different TRPs.), the measurement report comprising a set of entries where each entry in the set of entries corresponds to a particular combination of one particular RS in the set of RSs and one particular cell of the set of cells ([Para. 0024], The UE may measure the channel state by using a synchronization signal/broadcast channel (Synchronization Signal/Physical Broadcast Channel (SS/PBCH)) block, a synchronization signal (SS) and a demodulation reference signal (DMRS). [Para. 0069], a UE receives channels/signals from a plurality of cells. [Para. 0129], The CSI report includes one or a plurality of non-serving cell index (indices) (PCI (s) or new ID(s) of a non-serving cell (s) with a small bit size (Re-indexing index (indices) of cell (s))). [Para. 0136], FIG. 3 is an example of CSI report. A new ID (Re-indexing index of cell) and an L1-RSRP corresponding to each SSB index are reported. First report (SSB index, Re-indexing index of cell, and L1-RSRP) may relate to the serving cell, and second report and third report may relate to non-serving cells [Para. 0130], the UE may transmit a CSI report for only a non-serving cell (s) with an L1/L3 measurement result being larger than a specific threshold. [Para. 0131], One or a plurality of SSB indices (beam indices) may be included in the CSI report for each non-serving cell).
For claim 2, Matsumura discloses the apparatus of claim 1. The reference further discloses wherein the measurement report further comprises a second set of entries representing a respective metric associated with each particular combination of the one particular RS in the set of RSs and the one particular cell of the set of cells (Matsumura [Para. 0132], The CSI report may include an L1-RSRP/L1-SINR value (absolute value or differential value) for each SSB/CSI-RS index. Matsumura [Para. 0128], the UE may transmit a CSI report including the following contents. Matsumura [Para. 0135], A “report” in the following description may mean an SSB index, a Re-indexing index of cell, or a set of L1-RSRP/L3-RSRP. Matsumura [Para. 0136], In the example in FIG. 3, a new ID (Re-indexing index of cell) and an L1-RSRP corresponding to each SSB index are reported. First report (SSB index, Re-indexing index of cell, and L1-RSRP) may relate to the serving cell, and second report and third report may relate to non-serving cells [Examiner’s Note: In FIG. 3, the cells in the CSI report are the set of cells, the three combinations of SSB index and cell ID constitute the set of entries, and the three entries of L1-RSRP constitute the second set of entries representing the respective metric, L1-RSRP, each of which is associated with a combination of RS and cell]).
For claim 3, Matsumura discloses the apparatus of claim 2. The reference further discloses wherein the respective metric comprises a relative value representing a differential compared to a base value (Matsumura [Para. 0132], The CSI report may include an L1-RSRP/L1-SINR value (absolute value or differential value) for each SSB/CSI-RS index. Matsumura [Para. 0141], FIG. 8 is an example CSI report. An L1-RSRP (differential) is included instead of an L1-RSRP (absolute) for each of the second and third cells (e.g., non-serving cells). The L1-RSRP (differential) may be a measurement result of each beam and may be the difference from the L1-RSRP (absolute) of the first cell [Examiner’s Note: The entries of L1-RSRP for the non-serving cells constitute the second set and base value is the absolute L1-RSRP of the first cell]).
For claim 6, Matsumura discloses the apparatus of claim 1. The reference further discloses wherein the measurement report is included in uplink control information (UCI) and the measurement report comprises a set of segments (Matsumura [Para. 0035], The UE may report (transmit) a measurement result for the beam management by using a PUCCH. Matsumura [Para. 0136], In the example in FIG. 3, a new ID (Re-indexing index of cell) and an L1-RSRP corresponding to each SSB index are reported. First report (SSB index, Re-indexing index of cell, and L1-RSRP) may relate to the serving cell, and second report and third report may relate to non-serving cells [Examiner’s Note: The first report associated with the serving cell constitutes the first segment and the rest reports associated with the non-serving cells constitute the second segment]), wherein each segment of the set of segments comprises a subset of the set of entries and one or more metrics associated with the subset of the set of entries (Matsumura [Para. 0136], In the example in FIG. 3, a new ID (Re-indexing index of cell) and an L1-RSRP corresponding to each SSB index are reported. First report (SSB index, Re-indexing index of cell, and L1-RSRP) may relate to the serving cell (i.e. segment), and second report and third report may relate to non-serving cells (i.e. segment)).
For claim 7, Matsumura discloses the apparatus of claim 1. The reference further discloses wherein the measurement report is included in uplink control information (UCI) and the measurement report comprises a set of segments (Matsumura [Para. 0035], The UE may report (transmit) a measurement result for the beam management by using a PUCCH. Matsumura [Para. 0139] and [FIG. 6], An L1-RSRP (absolute) in the example in FIG. 6 is an absolute value (largest value). The L1-RSRP (differential) is the difference between the L1-RSRP of the second SSB index (beam) and the first L1-RSRP (absolute) [Examiner’s Note: The combination of SSB index and cell index is the first segment and the L1-RSRP absolute and differential values are the second segment]), wherein a first segment of the set of segments comprises the set of entries and a second segment of the set of segments comprises one or more metrics associated with the set of entries (Matsumura [Para. 0139] and [FIG. 6], An L1-RSRP (absolute) in the example in FIG. 6 is an absolute value (largest value). The L1-RSRP (differential) is the difference between the L1-RSRP of the second SSB index (beam) and the first L1-RSRP (absolute)).
For claim 10, Matsumura discloses the apparatus of claim 1. The reference further discloses wherein the set of RSs correspond to a set of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) (Matsumura [Para. 0131], One or a plurality of SSB indices (beam indices) may be included in the CSI report for each non-serving cell).
For claim 21, Matsumura discloses a method for wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE) ([Para. 0225] and [FIG. 12], a user terminal that executes the processes of the radio communication method of the present disclosure), comprising: measuring a set of reference signals (RSs) for a set of cells ([Para. 0024], The UE may measure the channel state by using a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), a synchronization signal/broadcast channel (Synchronization Signal/Physical Broadcast Channel (SS/PBCH)) block, a synchronization signal (SS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS). [Para. 0069], a UE receives channels/signals from a plurality of cells. [Para. 0130], the UE may transmit a CSI report for only non-serving cells with an L1 measurement result being larger than a specific threshold [Examiner’s Note: The set of cells are the non-serving cells with an L1 measurement result being larger than a specific threshold]), and transmitting a measurement report to a network node ([Para. 0101], A UE may, based on a measurement result, transmit an aperiodic CSI report. [Para. 0080], UE transmits separate CSI reports to the respective different TRPs.), the measurement report comprising a set of entries where each entry in the set of entries corresponds to a particular combination of one particular RS in the set of RSs and one particular cell of the set of cells ([Para. 0024], The UE may measure the channel state by using a synchronization signal/broadcast channel (Synchronization Signal/Physical Broadcast Channel (SS/PBCH)) block, a synchronization signal (SS) and a demodulation reference signal (DMRS). [Para. 0069], a UE receives channels/signals from a plurality of cells. [Para. 0129], The CSI report includes one or a plurality of non-serving cell index (indices) (PCI (s) or new ID(s) of a non-serving cell (s) with a small bit size (Re-indexing index (indices) of cell (s))). [Para. 0136], FIG. 3 is an example of CSI report. A new ID (Re-indexing index of cell) and an L1-RSRP corresponding to each SSB index are reported. First report (SSB index, Re-indexing index of cell, and L1-RSRP) may relate to the serving cell, and second report and third report may relate to non-serving cells [Para. 0130], the UE may transmit a CSI report for only a non-serving cell (s) with an L1/L3 measurement result being larger than a specific threshold. [Para. 0131], One or a plurality of SSB indices (beam indices) may be included in the CSI report for each non-serving cell).
For claims 22-23 and 26-27 are directed to method claims and they do not disclose or further define over the limitations recited in claims 2-3 and 6-7. Therefore, claims 22-23 and 26-27 are also rejected for similar reasons set forth in claims 2-3 and 6-7.
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 (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) 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, 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 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.
Claims 4 and 24 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Matsumura et al. (US20240196250A1, hereinafter Matsumura) in view of Fujitsu et al. (3GPP TSG RAN WG1 Meeting #113 R1-2306168, hereinafter Fujitsu).
For claim 4, Matsumura teaches the apparatus of claim 1. The reference further teaches wherein the measurement report further comprises a second set of entries indicating a subset of best performing cells of the set of cells or a set of best performing combinations among each particular combination of the one particular RS in the set of RSs and the one particular cell of the set of cells (Matsumura [Para. 0136], FIG. 3 is an example CSI report. In the example in FIG. 3, a new ID (Re-indexing index of cell) and an L1-RSRP corresponding to each SSB index are reported. First report (SSB index, Re-indexing index of cell, and L1-RSRP) may relate to the serving cell, and second report and third report may relate to non-serving cells. [Para. 0130], the UE may transmit a CSI report for only non-serving cells with an L1 measurement result being larger than a specific threshold [Examiner’s Note: The combinations for the non-serving cells with L1 measurement result being greater than the threshold are the set of the best performing combinations]).
Although Matsumura teaches the measurement report comprising the best performing combinations, more specifically, Fujitsu teaches wherein the measurement report further comprises a second set of entries indicating a subset of best performing cells of the set of cells or a set of best performing combinations among each particular combination of the one particular RS in the set of RSs and the one particular cell of the set of cells ([Page 34, Agreement for Conclusion at RAN1#110b-e], Flexible size beam report, e.g., two-part UCI (e.g., the 1st part contains the best beam/cell and the number (e.g., N) of reported beams/cells, the 2nd part contains the rest (N-1) beams/cells)).
It would have been prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus of Matsumura, so that the CSI report includes the cell, as taught by Fujitsu. The modification would have allowed flexible size beam report (Fujitsu [Page 34, Agreement for Conclusion at RAN1#110b-e]).
For claim 24 is directed to method claim and it does not disclose or further define over the limitations recited in claim 4. Therefore, claim 24 is also rejected for similar reasons set forth in claim 4.
Claims 5 and 25 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Matsumura et al. (US20240196250A1, hereinafter Matsumura) in view of Intel Corporation (3GPP TSG RAN WG1 #113 R1-2304823, hereinafter Intel).
For claim 5, Matsumura teaches the apparatus of claim 1. The reference further teaches wherein the measurement report is included in medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC-CE) (Matsumura [Para. 0101], The UE may transmit the aperiodic CSI report by using a Medium Access Control Control Element (MAC CE)).
Although teaching transmitting CSI report using MAC CE, Matsumura does not explicitly disclose and wherein a payload size associated with the measurement report is larger than a threshold.
Intel teaches and wherein a payload size associated with the measurement report is larger than a threshold ([Page 4, paragraph above Proposal 4], if larger number of reported beams and both intra- and inter-frequency measurement are reported in the same report, in case of larger report size, MAC-CE based reporting should also be supported).
It would have been prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus of Matsumura, so that the CSI report is transmitted in MAC CE in the case of larger report size, as taught by Intel. The modification would have allowed larger number of reported beams and both intra- and inter-frequency measurement are reported in the same report (Intel [Page 4, paragraph above Proposal 4]).
For claim 25 is directed to method claim and it does not disclose or further define over the limitations recited in claim 5. Therefore, claim 25 is also rejected for similar reasons set forth in claim 5.
Claims 8-9 and 28-29 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Matsumura et al. (US20240196250A1, hereinafter Matsumura) in view of Orsino et al. (WO2025095845A1. hereinafter Orsino).
For claim 8, Matsumura teaches the apparatus of claim 1. The reference further teaches wherein the set of cells corresponds to a set of lower-layer triggered mobility (LTM) cells (Matsumura [Para. 0085], Regarding L1/L2-centric inter-cell mobility, methods below may be supported for L1/L2 centric report of a neighbour cell. Matsumura [Para. 0113], new events may be defined to trigger an aperiodic L1 beam report (CSI report). Matsumura [Para. 0115], The event may occur based on a measurement result of a reference signal received power in layer 1 (L1-RSRP). Matsumura [Para. 0130], the UE may transmit a CSI report for only non-serving cells with an L1 measurement result being larger than a specific threshold [Examiner’s Note: The non-serving cells in the report are the set of cells and also the neighbour cells for L1/L2-centric inter-cell mobility]).
Although teaching CSI report for only non-serving cells for lower-layer triggered mobility, Matsumura does not explicitly disclose wherein the set of cells corresponds to a set of lower-layer triggered mobility (LTM) cells.
Orsino is directed to providing systems and methods for selecting layer 1/layer 2 triggered mobility candidate cells to include in channel state information measurement report. More specifically, Orsino teaches wherein the set of cells corresponds to a set of lower-layer triggered mobility (LTM) cells ([Page 67, lines 19-21], The first LTM CSI measurement report includes measurement information associated with a subset of the set of the LTM candidate cells and a subset of the set of the RSs).
It would have been prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus of Matsumura, so that the non-serving cells in the CSI report for L1/L2-centric inter-cell mobility are referred to as LTM candidate cells, as taught by Orsino. The modification would have provided that the criteria for a UE to include a sub-set of LTM candidate cells in an LTM CSI measurement report and, for each LTM candidate cell that is included, criteria for including a sub-set of configured SSBs (Orsino [Page 6, lines 9-11]).
For claim 9, Matsumura and Orsino teach the apparatus of claim 8. The references further teach wherein the measurement report is a LTM measurement report (Orsino [Page 67, lines 19-21], The first LTM CSI measurement report includes measurement information associated with a subset of the set of the LTM candidate cells and a subset of the set of the RSs).
It would have been prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus of Matsumura, so that the CSI report for L1/L2-centric inter-cell mobility is referred to as LTM measurement report, as taught by Orsino. The modification would have provided that the criteria for a UE to include a sub-set of LTM candidate cells in an LTM CSI measurement report and, for each LTM candidate cell that is included, criteria for including a sub-set of configured SSBs (Orsino [Page 6, lines 9-11]).
For claims 28-29 are directed to method claims and they do not disclose or further define over the limitations recited in claims 8-9. Therefore, claims 28-29 are also rejected for similar reasons set forth in claims 8-9.
Claims 11-13, 16-17, 20 and 30 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Matsumura et al. (US20240196250A1, hereinafter Matsumura) in view of Ly et al. (US20180359687A1, hereinafter Ly).
For claim 11, Matsumura teaches an apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity ([Para. 0225] and [FIG. 12], a base station that executes the processes of the radio communication method of the present disclosure), comprising: at least one memory ([FIG. 12], a memory 1002 and a storage 1003), and at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and ([FIG. 12], a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003. [Para. 0230], the processor 1001 reads programs and data from the storage 1003 into the memory 1002), based at least in part on stored information that is stored in the at least one memory ([Para. 0230], the processor 1001 reads programs and data from the storage 1003 into the memory 1002), the at least one processor, individually or in any combination, is configured to cause the network entity to ([Para. 0230], the processor 1001 reads programs and data from the storage 1003 into the memory 1002 and executes various processes according to these): transmit a set of reference signals (RSs) for a set of cells ([Para. 0163] and [FIG. 9], The radio communication system 1 may include a base station 11 that forms a macro cell C1 of a relatively wide coverage, and base stations 12 (12 a to 12 c) that form small cells C2. [Para. 0181], In the radio communication system 1, a synchronization signal (SS), a downlink reference signal (DL-RS), and so on may be communicated. [Para. 0182], A signal block including an SS (PSS, SSS) and a PBCH (and a DMRS for a PBCH) may be referred to as an “SS Block (SSB)), and receive a measurement report ([Para. 0184], The base station includes a transmitting/receiving section. [Para. 0201], based on a measurement result related to channel state information (CSI) of at least one of a serving cell, a neighbour cell, a primary cell, a primary secondary cell, and a secondary cell, the transmitting/receiving section receives the aperiodic CSI report), the measurement report comprising a set of entries where each entry in the set of entries corresponds to a particular combination of one particular RS in the set of RSs and one particular cell of the set of cells ([Para. 0024], The UE may measure the channel state by using a synchronization signal/broadcast channel (Synchronization Signal/Physical Broadcast Channel (SS/PBCH)) block, a synchronization signal (SS) and a demodulation reference signal (DMRS). [Para. 0069], a UE receives channels/signals from a plurality of cells. [Para. 0129], The CSI report includes one or a plurality of non-serving cell index (indices) (PCI (s) or new ID(s) of a non-serving cell (s) with a small bit size (Re-indexing index (indices) of cell (s))). [Para. 0136], FIG. 3 is an example of CSI report. A new ID (Re-indexing index of cell) and an L1-RSRP corresponding to each SSB index are reported. First report (SSB index, Re-indexing index of cell, and L1-RSRP) may relate to the serving cell, and second report and third report may relate to non-serving cells [Para. 0130], the UE may transmit a CSI report for only a non-serving cell (s) with an L1/L3 measurement result being larger than a specific threshold. [Para. 0131], One or a plurality of SSB indices (beam indices) may be included in the CSI report for each non-serving cell).
Although teaching the base station transmitting SSB as noted above, Matsumura does not explicitly disclose transmit a set of reference signals (RSs) for a set of cells.
Ly is directed to providing discovering physical cell identifiers in wireless communications. More specifically, Ly teaches transmit a set of reference signals (RSs) for a set of cells ([Para. 0050], a base station may include a cell-specific signal transmitting component. [Para. 0075], transmitting (e.g., from a base station), one or more cell-specific signals to UE, where the cell-specific signals can identify a corresponding cell. [Para. 0084], cell-specific signal transmitting component can transmit the cell-specific signal to UE, which may occur without cell-specific signals transmitted from other cells in the zone. Accordingly, UE can receive the cell-specific signal(s). [Para. 0085], cell-specific signal transmitting component can transmit the cell-specific signal as a cell-specific synchronization signal over a similar bandwidth used to transmit unified synchronization signals for the zone. Base station can transmit a primary synchronization signal (PSS), primary broadcast channel (PBCH), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), PBCH etc.).
It would have been prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus of Matsumura, so that the base station transmits reference signals for the cells to UE, as taught by Ly. The modification would have allowed a UE to determine physical cell identifiers corresponding to the cells for various purposes (e.g., to communicate with the cell, perform interference cancellation, determine SNR of neighboring cells, perform mobility management, etc.) (Ly [Para. 0084]).
For claim 12, Matsumura and Ly teach the apparatus of claim 11. The references further teach wherein the measurement report further comprises a second set of entries representing a respective metric associated with each particular combination of the one particular RS in the set of RSs and the one particular cell of the set of cells (Matsumura [Para. 0132], The CSI report may include an L1-RSRP/L1-SINR value (absolute value or differential value) for each SSB/CSI-RS index. Matsumura [Para. 0128], the UE may transmit a CSI report including the following contents. Matsumura [Para. 0135], A “report” in the following description may mean an SSB index, a Re-indexing index of cell, or a set of L1-RSRP/L3-RSRP. Matsumura [Para. 0136], In the example in FIG. 3, a new ID (Re-indexing index of cell) and an L1-RSRP corresponding to each SSB index are reported. First report (SSB index, Re-indexing index of cell, and L1-RSRP) may relate to the serving cell, and second report and third report may relate to non-serving cells [Examiner’s Note: In FIG. 3, the cells in the CSI report are the set of cells, the three combinations of SSB index and cell ID constitute the set of entries, and the three entries of L1-RSRP constitute the second set of entries representing the respective metric, L1-RSRP, each of which is associated with a combination of RS and cell]).
For claim 13, Matsumura and Ly teach the apparatus of claim 12. The references further teach wherein the respective metric comprises a relative value representing a differential compared to a base value (Matsumura [Para. 0132], The CSI report may include an L1-RSRP/L1-SINR value (absolute value or differential value) for each SSB/CSI-RS index. Matsumura [Para. 0141], FIG. 8 is an example CSI report. An L1-RSRP (differential) is included instead of an L1-RSRP (absolute) for each of the second and third cells (e.g., non-serving cells). The L1-RSRP (differential) may be a measurement result of each beam and may be the difference from the L1-RSRP (absolute) of the first cell [Examiner’s Note: The entries of L1-RSRP for the non-serving cells constitute the second set and base value is the absolute L1-RSRP of the first cell]).
For claim 16, Matsumura and Ly teach the apparatus of claim 11. The references further teach wherein the measurement report is included in uplink control information (UCI) and the measurement report comprises a set of segments (Matsumura [Para. 0035], The UE may report (transmit) a measurement result for the beam management by using a PUCCH. Matsumura [Para. 0136], In the example in FIG. 3, a new ID (Re-indexing index of cell) and an L1-RSRP corresponding to each SSB index are reported. First report (SSB index, Re-indexing index of cell, and L1-RSRP) may relate to the serving cell, and second report and third report may relate to non-serving cells [Examiner’s Note: The first report associated with the serving cell constitutes the first segment and the rest reports associated with the non-serving cells constitute the second segment]), wherein each segment of the set of segments comprises a subset of the set of entries and one or more metrics associated with the subset of the set of entries (Matsumura [Para. 0136], In the example in FIG. 3, a new ID (Re-indexing index of cell) and an L1-RSRP corresponding to each SSB index are reported. First report (SSB index, Re-indexing index of cell, and L1-RSRP) may relate to the serving cell (i.e. segment), and second report and third report may relate to non-serving cells (i.e. segment)).
For claim 17, Matsumura and Ly teach the apparatus of claim 11. The references further teach wherein the measurement report is included in uplink control information (UCI) and the measurement report comprises a set of segments (Matsumura [Para. 0035], The UE may report (transmit) a measurement result for the beam management by using a PUCCH. Matsumura [Para. 0139] and [FIG. 6], An L1-RSRP (absolute) in the example in FIG. 6 is an absolute value (largest value). The L1-RSRP (differential) is the difference between the L1-RSRP of the second SSB index (beam) and the first L1-RSRP (absolute) [Examiner’s Note: The combination of SSB index and cell index is the first segment and the L1-RSRP absolute and differential values are the second segment]), wherein a first segment of the set of segments comprises the set of entries and a second segment of the set of segments comprises one or more metrics associated with the set of entries (Matsumura [Para. 0139] and [FIG. 6], An L1-RSRP (absolute) in the example in FIG. 6 is an absolute value (largest value). The L1-RSRP (differential) is the difference between the L1-RSRP of the second SSB index (beam) and the first L1-RSRP (absolute)).
For claim 20, Matsumura and Ly teach the apparatus of claim 11. The references further disclose wherein the set of RSs correspond to a set of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) (Matsumura [Para. 0131], One or a plurality of SSB indices (beam indices) may be included in the CSI report for each non-serving cell).
For claim 30, Matsumura teaches a method for wireless communication performed by a network entity ([Para. 0225] and [FIG. 12], a base station that executes the processes of the radio communication method of the present disclosure), comprising: transmitting a set of reference signals (RSs) for a set of cells ([Para. 0163] and [FIG. 9], The radio communication system 1 may include a base station 11 that forms a macro cell C1 of a relatively wide coverage, and base stations 12 (12 a to 12 c) that form small cells C2. [Para. 0181], In the radio communication system 1, a synchronization signal (SS), a downlink reference signal (DL-RS), and so on may be communicated. [Para. 0182], A signal block including an SS (PSS, SSS) and a PBCH (and a DMRS for a PBCH) may be referred to as an “SS Block (SSB)), and receiving a measurement report ([Para. 0184], The base station includes a transmitting/receiving section. [Para. 0201], based on a measurement result related to channel state information (CSI) of at least one of a serving cell, a neighbour cell, a primary cell, a primary secondary cell, and a secondary cell, the transmitting/receiving section receives the aperiodic CSI report), the measurement report comprising a set of entries where each entry in the set of entries corresponds to a particular combination of one particular RS in the set of RSs and one particular cell of the set of cells ([Para. 0024], The UE may measure the channel state by using a synchronization signal/broadcast channel (Synchronization Signal/Physical Broadcast Channel (SS/PBCH)) block, a synchronization signal (SS) and a demodulation reference signal (DMRS). [Para. 0069], a UE receives channels/signals from a plurality of cells. [Para. 0129], The CSI report includes one or a plurality of non-serving cell index (indices) (PCI (s) or new ID(s) of a non-serving cell (s) with a small bit size (Re-indexing index (indices) of cell (s))). [Para. 0136], FIG. 3 is an example of CSI report. A new ID (Re-indexing index of cell) and an L1-RSRP corresponding to each SSB index are reported. First report (SSB index, Re-indexing index of cell, and L1-RSRP) may relate to the serving cell, and second report and third report may relate to non-serving cells [Para. 0130], the UE may transmit a CSI report for only a non-serving cell (s) with an L1/L3 measurement result being larger than a specific threshold. [Para. 0131], One or a plurality of SSB indices (beam indices) may be included in the CSI report for each non-serving cell).
Although teaching the base station transmitting SSB, Matsumura does not explicitly disclose transmitting a set of reference signals (RSs) for a set of cells.
Ly is directed to providing discovering physical cell identifiers in wireless communications. More specifically, Ly teaches transmitting a set of reference signals (RSs) for a set of cells ([Para. 0050], a base station may include a cell-specific signal transmitting component. [Para. 0075], transmitting (e.g., from a base station), one or more cell-specific signals to UE, where the cell-specific signals can identify a corresponding cell. [Para. 0084], cell-specific signal transmitting component can transmit the cell-specific signal to UE, which may occur without cell-specific signals transmitted from other cells in the zone. Accordingly, UE can receive the cell-specific signal(s). [Para. 0085], cell-specific signal transmitting component can transmit the cell-specific signal as a cell-specific synchronization signal over a similar bandwidth used to transmit unified synchronization signals for the zone. Base station can transmit a primary synchronization signal (PSS), primary broadcast channel (PBCH), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), PBCH etc.).
It would have been prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus of Matsumura, so that the base station transmits reference signals for the cells to UE, as taught by Ly. The modification would have allowed a UE to determine physical cell identifiers corresponding to the cells for various purposes (e.g., to communicate with the cell, perform interference cancellation, determine SNR of neighboring cells, perform mobility management, etc.) (Ly [Para. 0084]).
Claim 14 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Matsumura et al. (US20240196250A1, hereinafter Matsumura) in view of Ly et al. (US20180359687A1, hereinafter Ly) and Fujitsu et al. (3GPP TSG RAN WG1 Meeting #113 R1-2306168, hereinafter Fujitsu).
For claim 14, Matsumura and Ly teach the apparatus of claim 11. The references further teach wherein the measurement report further comprises a second set of entries indicating a subset of best performing cells of the set of cells or a set of best performing combinations among each particular combination of the one particular RS in the set of RSs and the one particular cell of the set of cells (Matsumura [Para. 0136], FIG. 3 is an example CSI report. In the example in FIG. 3, a new ID (Re-indexing index of cell) and an L1-RSRP corresponding to each SSB index are reported. First report (SSB index, Re-indexing index of cell, and L1-RSRP) may relate to the serving cell, and second report and third report may relate to non-serving cells. [Para. 0130], the UE may transmit a CSI report for only non-serving cells with an L1 measurement result being larger than a specific threshold [Examiner’s Note: The combinations for the non-serving cells with L1 measurement result being greater than the threshold are the set of the best performing combinations]).
Although Matsumura and Ly teach the measurement report comprising the best performing combinations, more specifically, Fujitsu teaches wherein the measurement report further comprises a second set of entries indicating a subset of best performing cells of the set of cells or a set of best performing combinations among each particular combination of the one particular RS in the set of RSs and the one particular cell of the set of cells ([Page 34, Agreement for Conclusion at RAN1#110b-e], Flexible size beam report, e.g., two-part UCI (e.g., the 1st part contains the best beam/cell and the number (e.g., N) of reported beams/cells, the 2nd part contains the rest (N-1) beams/cells)).
It would have been prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus of Matsumura and Ly, so that the CSI report includes the cell, as taught by Fujitsu. The modification would have allowed flexible size beam report (Fujitsu [Page 34, Agreement for Conclusion at RAN1#110b-e]).
Claim 15 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Matsumura et al. (US20240196250A1, hereinafter Matsumura) in view of Ly et al. (US20180359687A1, hereinafter Ly), and further in view of Intel Corporation (3GPP TSG RAN WG1 #113 R1-2304823, hereinafter Intel).
For claim 15, Matsumura and Ly teach the apparatus of claim 11. The references further teach wherein the measurement report is included in medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC-CE) (Matsumura [Para. 0101], The UE may transmit the aperiodic CSI report by using a Medium Access Control Control Element (MAC CE)).
Although teaching transmitting CSI report using MAC CE, Matsumura and Ly do not do not explicitly disclose and wherein a payload size associated with the measurement report is larger than a threshold.
Intel teaches and wherein a payload size associated with the measurement report is larger than a threshold ([Page 4, paragraph above Proposal 4], if larger number of reported beams and both intra- and inter-frequency measurement are reported in the same report, in case of larger report size, MAC-CE based reporting should also be supported).
It would have been prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus of Matsumura and Ly, so that the CSI report is transmitted in MAC CE in the case of larger report size, as taught by Intel. The modification would have allowed larger number of reported beams and both intra- and inter-frequency measurement are reported in the same report (Intel [Page 4, paragraph above Proposal 4]).
Claims 18-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Matsumura et al. (US20240196250A1, hereinafter Matsumura) in view of Ly et al. (US20180359687A1, hereinafter Ly), and further in view of Orsino et al. (WO2025095845A1. hereinafter Orsino).
For claim 18, Matsumura and Ly teach the apparatus of claim 11. The references further teach wherein the set of cells corresponds to a set of lower-layer triggered mobility (LTM) cells (Matsumura [Para. 0085], Regarding L1/L2-centric inter-cell mobility, methods below may be supported for L1/L2 centric report of a neighbour cell. Matsumura [Para. 0113], new events may be defined to trigger an aperiodic L1 beam report (CSI report). Matsumura [Para. 0115], The event may occur based on a measurement result of a reference signal received power in layer 1 (L1-RSRP). Matsumura [Para. 0130], the UE may transmit a CSI report for only non-serving cells with an L1 measurement result being larger than a specific threshold [Examiner’s Note: The non-serving cells in the report are the set of cells and also the neighbour cells for L1/L2-centric inter-cell mobility]).
Although teaching CSI report for only non-serving cells for lower-layer triggered mobility, Matsumura and Ly do not explicitly disclose wherein the set of cells corresponds to a set of lower-layer triggered mobility (LTM) cells.
Orsino is directed to providing systems and methods for selecting layer 1/layer 2 triggered mobility candidate cells to include in channel state information measurement report. More specifically, Orsino teaches wherein the set of cells corresponds to a set of lower-layer triggered mobility (LTM) cells ([Page 67, lines 19-21], The first LTM CSI measurement report includes measurement information associated with a subset of the set of the LTM candidate cells and a subset of the set of the RSs).
It would have been prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus of Matsumura and Ly, so that the non-serving cells in the CSI report for L1/L2-centric inter-cell mobility are referred to as LTM candidate cells, as taught by Orsino. The modification would have provided that the criteria for a UE to include a sub-set of LTM candidate cells in an LTM CSI measurement report and, for each LTM candidate cell that is included, criteria for including a sub-set of configured SSBs (Orsino [Page 6, lines 9-11]).
For claim 19, Matsumura, Ly and Orsino teach the apparatus of claim 18. The references further teach wherein the measurement report is a LTM measurement report (Orsino [Page 67, lines 19-21], The first LTM CSI measurement report includes measurement information associated with a subset of the set of the LTM candidate cells and a subset of the set of the RSs).
It would have been prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus of Matsumura and Ly, so that the CSI report for L1/L2-centric inter-cell mobility is referred to as LTM measurement report, as taught by Orsino. The modification would have provided that the criteria for a UE to include a sub-set of LTM candidate cells in an LTM CSI measurement report and, for each LTM candidate cell that is included, criteria for including a sub-set of configured SSBs (Orsino [Page 6, lines 9-11]).
Conclusion
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/S.L./Examiner, Art Unit 2417
/REBECCA E SONG/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2417