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 .
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)(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 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Zhao et al. (US 20250253934 A1).
Regarding claim 1, Zhao et al. anticipates a user equipment (UE), comprising: one or more memories storing processor-executable code; and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories (Paragraph 397-398, explicitly discloses a UE with memory storing executable programs and a processor executing those programs), wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively configured to cause the UE to: receive, via a set of synchronization channel resources, a synchronization message from a network entity (Paragraph 253, 278, 291, The UE receives synchronization signals (PSS/SSS within SSBs) from the base station via defined SSB resources to achieve synchronization), wherein the set of synchronization channel resources and a first subset of broadcast channel resources are both associated with a first cellular technology (Paragraph 94, 150, The UE explicitly receives synchronization via SSB resources and decodes SIB1 broadcast resources, both tied to a radio access interface provided by a base station corresponding to a single (terrestrial/5G) cellular technology); receive, via a second subset of broadcast channel resources and according to the synchronization message, a broadcast message from the network entity, the second subset of broadcast channel resources associated with a second cellular technology that is different from the first cellular technology (Paragraph 92, 179-180, 185, After receiving synchronization and SIB1, the UE receives SIB19 via distinct broadcast resources specific to NTN operation, where SIB19 is explicitly tied to satellite-based access that differs from the terrestrial cellular technology associated with SIB1); and communicate with the network entity using the first cellular technology, the second cellular technology, or both, in accordance with the synchronization message and the broadcast message (Paragraph 92, 94, 134, 148, 179, The UE communicates with terrestrial base stations, satellite-based network devices, or both by performing access, random access signaling, and feedback transmissions as dictated by synchronization signaling (SSB/SIB1) and NTN-specific broadcast signaling (SIB19)).
Regarding claim 2, Zhao et al. anticipates receive, via the first subset of broadcast channel resources, a demodulation reference signal associated with the first cellular technology, wherein receiving the broadcast message using the second cellular technology is in accordance with the demodulation reference signal (Paragraph 253-254, 278, The UE receives PBCH DMRS within broadcast SSB/PBCH resources and receives the PBCH broadcast information in accordance with that demodulation reference signal).
Regarding claim 3, Zhao et al. anticipates to receive the synchronization message, the one or more processors are individually or collectively further configured to cause the UE to: receive a first portion of a synchronization signal block (SSB) index in accordance with the demodulation reference signal; and receive a second portion of the SSB index in accordance with the broadcast message (Paragraph 272, 274, 278, 279, 399, The UE receives an indexed SSB during synchronization, where PBCH DMRS enables demodulation of SSB index information and the PBCH broadcast message conveys additional SSB index information).
Regarding claim 4, Zhao et al. anticipates transmit a capability message indicating UE support for using a demodulation reference signal associated with the first cellular technology to receive the broadcast message, wherein receiving the broadcast message is in accordance with the capability message (Paragraph 253-254, The passage teaches that UE DMRS usage characteristics are defined by higher-layer or assumed parameters reflecting UE support, and the UE receives broadcast PBCH/SSB using the corresponding DMRS in accordance with those parameters).
Regarding claim 5, Zhao et al. anticipates a location of the first subset of broadcast channel resources, the second subset of broadcast channel resources, or both, is within a carrier bandwidth associated with the UE (Paragraph 262, 278, 291, The passage teaches that the base station transmits SSBs carrying PBCH to cover the cell and that the UE receives those broadcast channel resources for synchronization and access, which places the locations of the broadcast channel resource subsets within the serving cell’s carrier bandwidth associated with the UE)
Regarding claim 6, Zhao et al. anticipates a relative position in a frequency domain for the first subset of broadcast channel resources and the second subset of broadcast channel resources is defined with respect to the location (Paragraph 115, 128, 195-197, The passage defines two subsets of broadcast channel resources as first-hop and second-hop PRBs whose relative frequency-domain positions are specified by index ordering and determined with respect to a known location such as a BWP or CCE location).
Regarding claim 7, Zhao et al. anticipates perform one or more blind decoding attempts of the broadcast message using a set of relative position hypotheses in a frequency domain for the first subset of broadcast channel resources and the second subset of broadcast channel resources (Paragraph 253-254, 278, 248-249, 264, The UE blindly attempts to decode broadcast PBCH/SSB information by assuming possible reception positions and performing synchronization across multiple list and non-list SSB groups).
Regarding claim 8, Zhao et al. anticipates a synchronization signal block (SSB) index associated with the first subset of broadcast channel resources and the second subset of broadcast channel resources is identified based on a successful blind decoding attempt (Paragraph 149, 231, UE blindly decodes the SSB to obtain SIB1, from which it derives the SSB index used to access broadcast resources).
Regarding claim 9, Zhao et al. anticipates receive information identifying a relative position hypothesis in a frequency domain for the first subset of broadcast channel resources and the second subset of broadcast channel resources; and decode the broadcast message in accordance with the relative position hypothesis (Paragraph 115, 128, 149, 151, 172, The UE receives a broadcast message (e.g., SIB1/SIB19) that includes repetition and PRB-related parameters (first-hop and second-hop), enabling derivation of relative PRB positions across frequency resources and decoding behavior based on that).
Regarding claim 10, Zhao et al. anticipates the information comprises a first mapping between an identifier associated with the synchronization message and the relative position hypothesis, a second mapping between a synchronization raster associated with the set of synchronization channel resources and the relative position hypothesis, a third mapping between a frequency band associated with the set of synchronization channel resources and the relative position hypothesis, or a combination thereof (Paragraph 150-151, 156, 160, 175, 127, 197, 200, 220, 232-233, The SIB1 includes synchronization-related identifiers (e.g., SSB index), and parameters such as frequency hopping PRBs, time domain and frequency domain resources, and PUCCH repetition configurations, which are interpreted by the UE to determine a relative position hypothesis, forming mappings between the identifier (SSB), synchronization raster, or frequency band and the hypothesis used for HARQ-ACK repetition strategy).
Regarding claim 11, Zhao et al. anticipates a network entity, comprising: one or more memories storing processor-executable code; and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories (Paragraph 397-398, explicitly discloses a UE with memory storing executable programs and a processor executing those programs), wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively configured to cause the network entity to: output, via a set of synchronization channel resources, a synchronization message to a user equipment (UE) (Paragraph 150, The network device outputs synchronization information to the UE via SSBs, which are synchronization channel resources carrying synchronization signaling), wherein the set of synchronization channel resources and a first subset of broadcast channel resources are both associated with a first cellular technology (Paragraph 94, 150, The UE explicitly receives synchronization via SSB resources and decodes SIB1 broadcast resources, both tied to a radio access interface provided by a base station corresponding to a single (terrestrial/5G) cellular technology); output, via a second subset of broadcast channel resources and according to the synchronization message, a broadcast message from the network entity, the second subset of broadcast channel resources associated with a second cellular technology that is different from the first cellular technology (Paragraph 103-107, 180, The network entity outputs broadcast messages (e.g., SIB1 and SIB19) on broadcast channel resources selected and interpreted according to synchronization signaling, where SIB19 is associated with NTN/satellite technology distinct from terrestrial cellular technology); and communicate with the UE using the first cellular technology, the second cellular technology, or both, in accordance with the synchronization message and the broadcast message (Paragraph 89, 90, 105, 185, The network entity supports communication with the UE over terrestrial cellular technology, satellite (NTN) cellular technology, or both, with operation determined based on synchronization signaling and broadcast configuration messages).
Regarding claim 12, Zhao et al. anticipates output, via the first subset of broadcast channel resources, a demodulation reference signal associated with the first cellular technology, wherein outputting the broadcast message using the second cellular technology is in accordance with the demodulation reference signal (Paragraph 125, 172, 174, 178, 184, 208, 223, SIB1 and/or SIB19 configure a PUCCH resource with DMRS characteristics (e.g., repetition, hopping, bundling), enabling the UE to transmit a Msg4 HARQ-ACK aligned to that DMRS over a first cellular technology, while Msg4 broadcast reception in the NTN (second technology) is based on that DMRS configuration).
Regarding claim 13, Zhao et al. anticipates a first portion of a synchronization signal block (SSB) index is identified in accordance with the demodulation reference signal and a second portion of the SSB index is identified in accordance with the broadcast message (Paragraph 107-108, 150, 231-232, The UE derives a first part of the SSB index from synchronization signal-based beam association during initial access and determines a second part using parameters (e.g., repetition info x/z1) extracted from decoded broadcast messages such as SIB1 or SIB19).
Regarding claim 14, Zhao et al. anticipates obtain a capability message indicating UE support for using a demodulation reference signal associated with the first cellular technology to receive the broadcast message, wherein outputting the broadcast message is in accordance with the capability message (Paragraph 151, 152, 174, 178, The UE obtains a capability message (e.g., SIB1) that includes parameters indicating its support for repeated PUCCH-based HARQ-ACK (which uses DMRS of the first cellular technology), and the broadcast message output is aligned with this capability (e.g., enabling or disabling repetition accordingly)).
Regarding claim 15, Zhao et al. anticipates a location of the first subset of broadcast channel resources, the second subset of broadcast channel resources, or both, is within a carrier bandwidth associated with the UE (Paragraph 114, 115, 116, 127, 128, 176, The UE determines locations of specific PUCCH PRBs (frequency domain broadcast resources) based on parameters like BWP and PRB indices, and simulation confirms a 20 MHz bandwidth is used by the UE, thereby teaching that the broadcast channel resources reside within the UE's carrier bandwidth).
Regarding claim 16, Zhao et al. anticipates a relative position in a frequency domain for the first subset of broadcast channel resources and the second subset of broadcast channel resources is defined with respect to the location (Paragraph ).
Regarding claim 17, Zhao et al. anticipates output information to the UE identifying a relative position hypothesis in a frequency domain for the first subset of broadcast channel resources and the second subset of broadcast channel resources, wherein the UE decodes the broadcast message in accordance with the relative position hypothesis (Paragraph 114-116, 128, The PRB locations are configured or derived such that their frequency domain positions are defined relative to each other or to a hopping interval).
Regarding claim 18, Zhao et al. anticipates the information comprises a first mapping between an identifier associated with the synchronization message and the relative position hypothesis, a second mapping between a synchronization raster associated with the set of synchronization channel resources and the relative position hypothesis, a third mapping between a frequency band associated with the set of synchronization channel resources and the relative position hypothesis, or a combination thereof (Paragraph 134, 150, 231–233, The SSB index serves as an identifier associated with the synchronization message, which is mapped to a beam position (i.e., relative position hypothesis); the synchronization raster is shown by SSB configuration and the beam position pattern; and the frequency band used for access is explicitly included, all forming mappings to determine the relative positioning).
Regarding claim 19, Zhao et al. anticipates a method for wireless communications at a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving, via a set of synchronization channel resources, a synchronization message from a network entity (Paragraph 253, 278, 291, The UE receives synchronization signals (PSS/SSS within SSBs) from the base station via defined SSB resources to achieve synchronization), wherein the set of synchronization channel resources and a first subset of broadcast channel resources are both associated with a first cellular technology (Paragraph 94, 150, The UE explicitly receives synchronization via SSB resources and decodes SIB1 broadcast resources, both tied to a radio access interface provided by a base station corresponding to a single (terrestrial/5G) cellular technology); receiving, via a second subset of broadcast channel resources and according to the synchronization message, a broadcast message from the network entity, the second subset of broadcast channel resources associated with a second cellular technology that is different from the first cellular technology (Paragraph 92, 179-180, 185, After receiving synchronization and SIB1, the UE receives SIB19 via distinct broadcast resources specific to NTN operation, where SIB19 is explicitly tied to satellite-based access that differs from the terrestrial cellular technology associated with SIB1); and communicating with the network entity using the first cellular technology, the second cellular technology, or both, in accordance with the synchronization message and the broadcast message (Paragraph 92, 94, 134, 148, 179, The UE communicates with terrestrial base stations, satellite-based network devices, or both by performing access, random access signaling, and feedback transmissions as dictated by synchronization signaling (SSB/SIB1) and NTN-specific broadcast signaling (SIB19)).
Regarding claim 20, Zhao et al. anticipates a method for wireless communications at a network entity, comprising: outputting, via a set of synchronization channel resources, a synchronization message to a user equipment (UE) (Paragraph 150, The network device outputs synchronization information to the UE via SSBs, which are synchronization channel resources carrying synchronization signaling), wherein the set of synchronization channel resources and a first subset of broadcast channel resources are both associated with a first cellular technology (Paragraph 94, 150, The UE explicitly receives synchronization via SSB resources and decodes SIB1 broadcast resources, both tied to a radio access interface provided by a base station corresponding to a single (terrestrial/5G) cellular technology); outputting, via a second subset of broadcast channel resources and according to the synchronization message, a broadcast message from the network entity, the second subset of broadcast channel resources associated with a second cellular technology that is different from the first cellular technology (Paragraph 103-107, 180, The network entity outputs broadcast messages (e.g., SIB1 and SIB19) on broadcast channel resources selected and interpreted according to synchronization signaling, where SIB19 is associated with NTN/satellite technology distinct from terrestrial cellular technology); and communicating with the UE using the first cellular technology, the second cellular technology, or both, in accordance with the synchronization message and the broadcast message (Paragraph 89, 90, 105, 185, The network entity supports communication with the UE over terrestrial cellular technology, satellite (NTN) cellular technology, or both, with operation determined based on synchronization signaling and broadcast configuration messages).
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Zhang et al. (US 20250374214 A1)
Zhang et al. (US 20250133599 A1)
Ghanbarinejad et al. (US 12490211 B2)
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ANDREW SHAJI KURIAN whose telephone number is (703)756-1878. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 8am-4pm.
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, Ricky Ngo can be reached at (571) 272-3139. 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.
/ANDREW SHAJI KURIAN/Examiner, Art Unit 2464
/RICKY Q NGO/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2464