Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 02, 2026
Application No. 18/525,777

UPLINK TRANSMISSION SCHEDULING FOR SCHEDULING EFFICIENCY AND RELIABILITY

Non-Final OA §103
Filed
Nov 30, 2023
Examiner
GELIN, JEAN ALLAND
Art Unit
2643
Tech Center
2600 — Communications
Assignee
Qualcomm Incorporated
OA Round
3 (Non-Final)
88%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
0m
Est. Remaining
93%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 88% — above average
88%
Career Allowance Rate
1127 granted / 1273 resolved
+26.5% vs TC avg
Minimal +4% lift
Without
With
+4.5%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 3m
Avg Prosecution
33 currently pending
Career history
1298
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
5.1%
-34.9% vs TC avg
§103
45.1%
+5.1% vs TC avg
§102
27.3%
-12.7% vs TC avg
§112
3.1%
-36.9% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 1273 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114 A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 07/28/2026 has been entered. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. Claims 1-2, 4-6, 13, 16-18, and 22 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Takahashi (US 2024/0137876) in view of Zhipeng et al. (CN118042581 A). Regarding claim 1, Takahashi teaches an apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE) (terminal apparatus comprising: a communicator configured to transmit, to a base station apparatus, capability information including radio frequency parameters; and a processor configured to: include an information bit indicating that the terminal apparatus supports restricted ranges of a frequency band in a specific area and an information bit indicating that the terminal apparatus supports a modified maximum power reduction indicated per frequency band in the radio frequency parameters [0004], [0020]), comprising: one or more memories (fig. 2 120); and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories and, the one or more processors (fig. 2, 130), configured to cause the UE to: transmit, to a network node, UE specific additional maximum power reduction (A- MPR) information and an indication of an association with for one or more waveforms/(signals) (i.e., In case of supporting the modified MPR or A-MPR, the UE 100 reports, to the base station 200, the maximum-power-reduction information indicating the modified MPR or A-MPR ([0085], [0137])); and communicate with the network node based on the UE specific A-MPR information associated with the UE (i.e., In case of supporting the modified MPR or A-MPR, the UE 100 reports, to the base station 200, the maximum-power-reduction information indicating the modified MPR or A-MPR. The base station 200 performs resource allocation to the uplink of the UE 100 and power control for the uplink of the UE 100 on the basis of the maximum-power-reduction information ([0085, [0137])). Takahashi does not specifically teach wherein the UE specific A-MPR information indicates an actual A-MPR region supported by the UE for the one or more waveforms separate from a defined A-MPR region for the one or more waveforms. However, the preceding limitation is known in the art of communications. Zhipeng teaches a UE determines a sending resource for UE assistance information according to a reporting trigger mode of the UE assistance information; and the UE sends the UE assistance information on the determined sending resource, wherein the UE assistance information comprises at least one of the following: UE power headroom related information corresponding to a target waveform; maximum transmission power actually used by the UE; maximum transmission power not actually used by the UE; maximum transmission power corresponding to the target waveform; maximum power reduction (MPR); MPR corresponding to the target waveform; additional MPR; additional MPR corresponding to the target waveform; power management MPR; power management MPR corresponding to the target waveform; maximum power exposure (MPE); and MPE corresponding to the target waveform ([abstr., [0010]-[0021]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time of the invention, to have implemented the technique of Zhipeng within the system of Takahashi in order to allow the network to optimize the scheduling of uplink resources and control UE power more effectively, thereby improving overall system performance. Regarding claim 2, Takahashi in view of Zhipeng teaches all the limitations above. Takahashi further teaches one or more antennas coupled to the one or more processors ([0053], [0085]). Regarding claim 4, Takahashi in view of Zhipeng teaches all the limitations above. Zhipeng further teaches the UE specific A-MPR information associated with the UE indicates at least one of an A-MPR region of frequency resources for the one or more waveforms and a non-A-MPR region of the frequency resources for the one or more waveforms (i.e., the UE sends the UE assistance information on the determined sending resource, wherein the UE assistance information comprises at least one of the following: UE power headroom related information corresponding to a target waveform; maximum transmission power actually used by the UE; maximum transmission power not actually used by the UE; maximum transmission power corresponding to the target waveform; maximum power reduction (MPR); MPR corresponding to the target waveform; additional MPR; additional MPR corresponding to the target waveform; power management MPR; power management MPR corresponding to the target waveform [abstr.], [0010]-[0021]). Regarding claim 5, Takahashi in view of Zhipeng teaches all the limitations above. Zhipeng further teaches the non-A-MPR region comprises a subset of the frequency resources for the one or more waveforms that the UE supports without a power backoff (i.e., the radio frequency unit 1101 is used for sending the UE auxiliary information on the determined sending resource; wherein, The UE auxiliary information comprises at least one of the following items: UE power margin related information corresponding to a target waveform; maximum transmission power not actually used by the UE [0240]; Takahashi [0017]-[0021]). Regarding claim 6, Takahashi in view of Zhipeng teaches all the limitations above. Takahashi further teaches receive a resource allocation in the non-A-MPR region of the frequency resources for the UE ([0020]-[0022]). Regarding claim 13, Takahashi teaches an apparatus for wireless communication at a network node, comprising: one or more memories; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories and, the one or more processors (i.e., a communicator configured to receive, from a terminal apparatus, capability information including radio frequency parameters; and a processor configured to: [0005], [0021], [0067]), configured to cause the network node to: obtain additional maximum power reduction (A-MPR) information an indication of an association with for one or more waveforms/signals (i.e., obtain an information bit indicating that the terminal apparatus supports restricted ranges of a frequency band in a specific area and an information bit indicating that the terminal apparatus supports a modified maximum power reduction indicated per frequency band from the radio frequency parameters, in a case where the terminal apparatus supports first restricted ranges of the frequency band in the specific area and the modified maximum power reduction indicated per frequency band ([0005], [0021], [0067]), supporting the modified MPR or A-MPR, the UE 100 reports, to the base station 200, the maximum-power-reduction information indicating the modified MPR or A-MPR [0085], [0108], [0153]). Takahashi does not specifically teach wherein the UE specific A-MPR information indicates an actual A-MPR region supported by the UE for the one or more waveforms separate from a defined A-MPR region for the one or more waveforms, and schedule communication from the UE based on the A-MPR information associated with the UE. However, the preceding limitation is known in the art of communications. Zhipeng teaches a UE determines a sending resource for UE assistance information according to a reporting trigger mode of the UE assistance information; and the UE sends the UE assistance information on the determined sending resource, wherein the UE assistance information comprises at least one of the following: UE power headroom related information corresponding to a target waveform; maximum transmission power actually used by the UE; maximum transmission power not actually used by the UE; maximum transmission power corresponding to the target waveform; maximum power reduction (MPR); MPR corresponding to the target waveform; additional MPR; additional MPR corresponding to the target waveform; power management MPR; power management MPR corresponding to the target waveform; maximum power exposure (MPE); and MPE corresponding to the target waveform ([abstr., [0010]-[0021]). The network side can reasonably schedule the UE uplink transmission resource or reasonably control the UE uplink power under the condition of dynamic beam switching for the UE through dynamic signaling, so as to maximize the resource and power utilization ([0160], [0232]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time of the invention, to have implemented the technique of Zhipeng within the system of Takahashi in order to allow the network to optimize the scheduling of uplink resources and control UE power more effectively, thereby improving overall system performance. Regarding claim 16, Takahashi in view of Zhipeng teaches all the limitations above. Zhipeng further teaches the UE specific A-MPR information associated with the UE indicates at least one of an A-MPR region of frequency resources for the one or more waveforms and a non-A-MPR region of the frequency resources for the one or more waveforms (i.e., the UE sends the UE assistance information on the determined sending resource, wherein the UE assistance information comprises at least one of the following: UE power headroom related information corresponding to a target waveform; maximum transmission power actually used by the UE; maximum transmission power not actually used by the UE; maximum transmission power corresponding to the target waveform; maximum power reduction (MPR); MPR corresponding to the target waveform; additional MPR; additional MPR corresponding to the target waveform; power management MPR; power management MPR corresponding to the target waveform [abstr.], [0010]-[0021]). Regarding claim 17, Takahashi in view of Zhipeng teaches all the limitations above. Zhipeng further teaches the non-A-MPR region comprises a subset of the frequency resources for the one or more waveforms that the UE supports without a power backoff (i.e., the radio frequency unit 1101 is used for sending the UE auxiliary information on the determined sending resource; wherein, The UE auxiliary information comprises at least one of the following items: UE power margin related information corresponding to a target waveform; maximum transmission power not actually used by the UE [0240]; Takahashi [0017]-[0021]). Regarding claim 18, Takahashi in view of Zhipeng teaches all the limitations above. Takahashi further teaches receive a resource allocation in the non-A-MPR region of the frequency resources for the UE ([0020]-[0022]). Regarding claim 22, Takahashi in view of Zhipeng teaches all the limitations above. Takahashi further teaches one or more antennas coupled to the one or more processors ([0072]). Claims 3, 8-9, 14, and 20-21 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Takahashi (US 2024/0137876) in view of Zhipeng et al. (CN118042581 A1) further in view of Klomsdorf et al. (US 2024/0314698). Regarding claim 3, Takahashi in view of Zhipeng teaches all the limitations above except the network node is a non-terrestrial network (NTN) node. However, the preceding limitation is known in the art of communications. Klomsdorf teaches base node 202 may provide geographic coverage area 210 for which base node 202 may support services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) for one or more UEs 204 within geographic coverage area 210. In some implementations, base node 202 may be moveable. For example, base node 202 may be a satellite associated with a non-terrestrial network ([0035]). The A-MPR applies to all modulation and waveform types unless indications are received specific to modulation and waveform types: For single transmit scenarios, MPR/A-MPR is applied to the maximum output power for the single active transmitter. For dual transmit scenarios, MPR/A-MPR could be applied equally, as currently implemented, or unequally to both transmitters, according to aspects of the present disclosure [0040]-[0041]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time of the invention, to have implemented the technique of Klomsdorf within the system Takahashi in view of Zhipeng in order to receive satellite broadcast signals from GPS satellites in a wireless communications system that supports wireless communication with optimized MPR/A-MPR by communication devices. Regarding claim 8, Takahashi in view of Zhipeng teaches all the limitations above. Takahashi further teaches it possible to additionally adapt to additional modifications of frequency ranges caused by the laws and regulations. It is thus possible to increase extensibility for modifications of frequency ranges available to the UE 100 in an allocated frequency band ([0124]-[0125]). Takahashi in view of Zhipengfails to specifically teach indicate support for an increased power class for a subset of waveforms. However, the preceding limitation is known in the art of communications. Klomsdorf teaches the A-MPR applies to all modulation and waveform types unless indications are received specific to modulation and waveform types: For single transmit scenarios, MPR/A-MPR is applied to the maximum output power for the single active transmitter. For dual transmit scenarios, MPR/A-MPR could be applied equally, as currently implemented, or unequally to both transmitters, according to aspects of the present disclosure [0040]-[0041]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time of the invention, to have implemented the technique of Klomsdorf within the system Takahashi and Zhipeng in order to receive satellite broadcast signals from GPS satellites in a wireless communications system that supports wireless communication with optimized MPR/A-MPR by communication devices. Regarding claim 9, Takahashi in view of Zhipeng further in view of Klomsdorf teaches all the limitations above. “receive a resource allocation in an A-MPR region of frequency resources for the one or more waveforms for which the UE supports the increased power class” could have been derived by one of ordinary skill in the art from Klomsdorf’s reference which discloses the A-MPR applies to all modulation and waveform types unless indications are received specific to modulation and waveform types: For single transmit scenarios, MPR/A-MPR is applied to the maximum output power for the single active transmitter. For dual transmit scenarios, MPR/A-MPR could be applied equally, as currently implemented, or unequally to both transmitters, according to aspects of the present disclosure [0040]-[0041]). Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art, could have easily conceived the invention in claim 3 from a combination of Takahashi and Zhipeng in view of Klomsdorf. Regarding claim 14, Takahashi in view of Zhipeng teaches all the limitations above except the network node is a non-terrestrial network (NTN) node. However, the preceding limitation is known in the art of communications. Klomsdorf teaches base node 202 may provide geographic coverage area 210 for which base node 202 may support services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) for one or more UEs 204 within geographic coverage area 210... In some implementations, base node 202 may be moveable. For example, base node 202 may be a satellite associated with a non-terrestrial network ([0035]). The A-MPR applies to all modulation and waveform types unless indications are received specific to modulation and waveform types: For single transmit scenarios, MPR/A-MPR is applied to the maximum output power for the single active transmitter. For dual transmit scenarios, MPR/A-MPR could be applied equally, as currently implemented, or unequally to both transmitters, according to aspects of the present disclosure [0040]-[0041]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time of the invention, to have implemented the technique of Klomsdorf within the system Takahashi and Zhipeng in order to receive satellite broadcast signals from GPS satellites in a wireless communications system that supports wireless communication with optimized MPR/A-MPR by communication devices. Regarding claim 20, Takahashi in view of Zhipeng further in view of Klomsdorf teaches all the limitations. “a indicate support for an increased power class for a subset of waveforms” could have been derived by one of ordinary skill in the art from Klomsdorf’s reference which discloses the A-MPR applies to all modulation and waveform types unless indications are received specific to modulation and waveform types: For single transmit scenarios, MPR/A-MPR is applied to the maximum output power for the single active transmitter. For dual transmit scenarios, MPR/A-MPR could be applied equally, as currently implemented, or unequally to both transmitters, according to aspects of the present disclosure [0040]-[0041]). Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art, could have easily conceived the invention in claim 20 from a combination of Takahashi in view of Zhipeng and Klomsdorf. Regarding claim 21, Takahashi in view of Zhipeng further in view of Klomsdorf teaches all the limitations above. “schedule the communication from the UE in an A-MPR region of frequency resources for the one or more waveforms for which the UE supports the increased power class” could have been derived by one of ordinary skill in the art from Klomsdorf’s reference which discloses the A-MPR applies to all modulation and waveform types unless indications are received specific to modulation and waveform types: For single transmit scenarios, MPR/A-MPR is applied to the maximum output power for the single active transmitter. For dual transmit scenarios, MPR/A-MPR could be applied equally, as currently implemented, or unequally to both transmitters, according to aspects of the present disclosure [0040]-[0041]). Accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art, could have easily conceived the invention in claim 21 from a combination of Takahashi in view of Zhipeng further in view of Klomsdorf. Allowable Subject Matter Claims 10-12, and 23-30 are allowed. Claims 7, 19 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JEAN ALLAND GELIN whose telephone number is (571)272-7842. The examiner can normally be reached MON-FR 9-6 PM. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, JINSONG HU can be reached at 571-272-3965. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /JEAN A GELIN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2643
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Prosecution Timeline

Nov 30, 2023
Application Filed
Jan 22, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Apr 22, 2026
Response Filed
May 22, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103
Jul 20, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action
Jul 28, 2026
Request for Continued Examination
Jul 30, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action
Aug 13, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
88%
Grant Probability
93%
With Interview (+4.5%)
2y 3m (~0m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
High
PTA Risk
Based on 1273 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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