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and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.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 06/08/2026 has been entered.
Response to Remarks
This Office action is considered fully responsive to the amendments filed 06/08/2026.
Claims 6-7 and 9-10 are pending in the application. Claims 6 and 9 have been amended, claim 10 has been added.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments filed 06/08/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. The applicant argues that:
Applicant respectfully asserts that Islam and Ghanbarinejad, whether considered separately or in combination, fail to disclose or suggest the limitation of amended independent claim 6. (Pages 5-6, Remarks).
In response to A), the examiner respectfully disagrees. , Ghanbarinejad teaches the limitation of amended independent claim 6, “wherein the instruction is configured semi-persistently via the MAC-CE ([0233] and [0235] specifies a control message that triggers or activates a TX timing alignment mode with a semi-persistent scheduling (“SPS”). [0241]-[244] and [0248] describes the control message (instruction) may be a MAC-CE message for activation of a semi-persistent configuration or triggering an aperiodic configuration. That implies the instruction of the MAC-CE is configured semi-persistently. [0336] and Fig. 15 illustrate the use of MAC CE message for carrying timing advance/instruction commands [0138] with its related parameters, see also [0134], [0014]-[0015] and Figs. 7A and 7B. [0200] states “The signaling can be through a MAC-CE message for semi-persistent activation or deactivation of the timing alignment mode, a downlink control information (DCI) message for triggering a timing alignment mode for a period, for example one or multiple slots, or other signaling.” See also [0241]-[0248], that confirms the timing alignment configuration, including the TA, can be set up to be semi-persistent, e.g., to be activated or deactivated by MAC-CE signaling), and wherein the instruction applies to time resources indicated via radio resource control (RRC) ([0374] and Table 5 provide examples about how the timing alignment configurations and their activation /deactivation are associated with RRC signaling, see [0190], [0194], [0359], where [0235] states that the timing alignment configuration can be associated with a resource set, a set of slots, and so on. This can be realized, for example, by referring to a timing alignment configuration ID in a resource set configuration, or by referring to a resource set configuration ID in a timing alignment mode configuration. [0236]-[0247] and [0375]-[0388] which is explicitly discloses that the configurations can be sent by RRC to the IAB node, which included identifier, type of alignment, periodicity, activation method with specific resources or slots. That means the RRC configuration defines which resources that the timing alignment applies to and activation/deactivation is managed using MAC CE /DCI).
Therefore, the office action still teach the limitations as currently claimed.
Ghanbarinejad fails to teach the claimed instruction. Furthermore, Ghanbarinejad does not teach applying any instruction to time resources indicated via RRC. As such, Ghanbarinejad does not remedy the defects of Islam with respect to, at least, the above-mentioned limitation of amended independent claim 6 (Page 6, Remarks).
In response to B), the examiner respectfully disagrees. Ghanbarinejad teaches that the instruction applies to time resources indicated via radio resource control (RRC) ([0374] and Table 5 provide examples about how the timing alignment configurations and their activation /deactivation are associated with RRC signaling, see [0190], [0194], [0359], where [0235] states that the timing alignment configuration can be associated with a resource set, a set of slots, and so on. This can be realized, for example, by referring to a timing alignment configuration ID in a resource set configuration, or by referring to a resource set configuration ID in a timing alignment mode configuration. [0236]-[0247] and [0375]-[0388] which is explicitly discloses that the configurations can be sent by RRC to the IAB node, which included identifier, type of alignment, periodicity, activation method with specific resources or slots. That means the RRC configuration defines which resources that the timing alignment applies to and activation/ deactivation is managed using MAC CE /DCI). Therefore, the office action still teach the limitations as currently claimed.
Applicant argues that the independent claim 9 is allowable for similar reasons (Page 7, Remarks).
Examiner respectfully disagrees, for at least the same reasons given in the response above, and as detailed in the Claim Rejections section.
Applicant argues that Islam and Ghanbarinejad, whether considered alone or in combination, do not support an obviousness rejection of new claim 10. (Page 8, Remarks).
In response to D), the Examiner respectfully disagrees. Ghanbarinejad discloses wherein the processor determines the transmission timing to the upper node based on the instruction and based on a time division duplex pattern configuration ([0480] describes that the processor determines timing alignment information associated with the downlink reference signal and the uplink reference signal; determines, based on the timing alignment information … the uplink reference signal. [0375]-[0382] provide the IAB node receives configurations/instructions such as TA, timing delta, and ATA values, then, the node applies these instructions to adjust its UL and DL transmission , as described in Case 1, Case 6 and Case 7 , for example, [0157] and [0158,. That means the processor determines the transmission timing based on the instruction. [0402] provides the uplink and downlink transmissions may be used the same frequency according to a time-division duplex (“TDD”) or a frequency-division duplex (“FDD”) setting, as an alternative, and [0180] describes the HD meaning that it is able to either transmit or receive signals in a frequency band at a time, where the HD operates fundamentally as a form of TDD. Figs. 4B-6, [0061] and [0117] illustrate the slots as half duplex slots and the UL and DL timing relation (time separated frames), that considered as visual demonstration and characteristic of the TDD. That implies the processor in the IAB node can determine the transmission timing to the upper node based on the instruction and TDD pattern configuration). Therefore, the office action still teach the limitations as currently claimed.
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.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claims 6-7 and 9-10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Islam et al. (US 20200015316 A1) in view of Ghanbarinejad et al. (US-20230247574-A1).
Regarding claim 6 (Currently Amended), Islam teaches a radio communication node (Figs. 1-2, [0044], describe the architecture of nodes, such as IAB donor nodes, IAB nodes and access nodes, and Figs. 4-5, [0053], the import components of the radio communication node), comprising:
a receiver ([0056], lines 1-9, [0080], the receiving unit (receiver), is a part of the transceiver, “Transceiver 402 may include at least one receiver 406 and at least one transmitter 408. Receiver 406 may include hardware, firmware, and/or software code executable by a processor for receiving data, the code comprising instructions and being stored in a memory (e.g., computer-readable medium). Receiver 406 may be, for example, a radio frequency (RF) receiver) that receives from an upper node of the radio communication node an instruction of a transmission timing to the upper node via a Medium Access Control Control Element (MAC-CE) ([0056], “In an aspect, receiver 406 may receive signals transmitted by an upstream node”, the abstract depicts that the upstream node (upper node [0043], lines 11-12) send the instruction using MAC CE as indicating (instructing) a transmission timing, [0081], lines 1-2, where same MAC CE is used to convey TA values for both DL Tx and UL Tx, [0009]-[0010]); and a processor (Fig. 4, [0055], lines 1-4, [0007], lines 5-10, the control unit which is a processor as states in [0100], lines 10-11, “ the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine.“) that determines the transmission timing to the upper node based on the instruction ([0007], lines 5-10 and [0011], lines 5-11, describe the upper node (upstream node or the node that closer to a network such as IAB-donor, [0043]) provides instruction such as UL Tx TA to the downstream node, which uses the instruction to decide the transmission timing for communication).
Islam fails to teach wherein the instruction is configured semi-persistently via the MAC-CE, and wherein the instruction applies to time resources indicated via radio resource control (RRC).
However, Ghanbarinejad teaches wherein the instruction is configured semi-persistently via the MAC-CE ([0233] and [0235] specifies a control message that triggers or activates a TX timing alignment mode with a semi-persistent scheduling (“SPS”). [0241]-[244] and [0248] describes the control message (instruction) may be a MAC-CE message for activation of a semi-persistent configuration or triggering an aperiodic configuration. That implies the instruction of the MAC-CE is configured semi-persistently. [0336] and Fig. 15 illustrate the use of MAC CE message for carrying timing advance/instruction commands [0138] with its related parameters, see also [0134], [0014]-[0015] and Figs. 7A and 7B. [0200] states “The signaling can be through a MAC-CE message for semi-persistent activation or deactivation of the timing alignment mode, a downlink control information (DCI) message for triggering a timing alignment mode for a period, for example one or multiple slots, or other signaling.” See also [0241]-[0248] that confirm timing alignment configuration, including the TA, can be set up to be semi-persistent, e.g., to be activated or deactivated by MAC-CE signaling), and wherein the instruction applies to time resources indicated via radio resource control (RRC) ([0374] and Table 5 provide examples about how the timing alignment configurations and their activation /deactivation are associated with RRC signaling, see [0190], [0194], [0359], where [0235] states that the timing alignment configuration can be associated with a resource set, a set of slots, and so on. This can be realized, for example, by referring to a timing alignment configuration ID in a resource set configuration, or by referring to a resource set configuration ID in a timing alignment mode configuration. [0236]-[0247] and [0375]-[0388] which is explicitly discloses that the configurations can be sent by RRC to the IAB node, which included identifier, type of alignment, periodicity, activation method with specific resources or slots. That means the RRC configuration defines which resources that the timing alignment applies to and activation/deactivation is managed using MAC CE /DCI).
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 Islam to incorporate the teachings of Ghanbarinejad (in analogous art) by determining wherein the instruction of the MAC-CE is configured semi-persistently, which allows service providers to reduce cell planning and spectrum planning efforts while utilizing the wireless backhaul technology. Doing that would increase deployment flexibility and reduce 5G rollout costs (Ghanbarinejad, [0060]).
Regarding claim 7 (Previously Presented), Islam and Ghanbarinejad teach the radio communication node according to claim 6.
Islam further teaches wherein the processor determines, based on the instruction, which one of the following cases is to be applied as the transmission timing to the upper node (Claim 40, lines 3-7, [0070], lines 4-10, the processor (control unit by the TA applying component) uses the TA command, instruction, received via MAC CE to determine the suitable transmission timing for communication with upstream or downstream nodes, [0046] lines 2-5 and Fig. 3 illustrates examples of cases for aligning timing transmission among IAB-nodes and donor nodes, also, [0084], lines 3-8, the controller (processor) can schedule the transmission based at least in part on the UL Tx TA instruction and specified case that applied to the network, [0077], “In one example, TA applying component 142 may determine the time granularity based at least in part on (e.g., as a function of) a tone spacing configured by the upstream node 501, such as based on a minimum, maximum, or other tone spacing, a subcarrier spacing (SCS), etc.” that confirm the determination consider the specific case that applies to the network configuration [0062], lines 15-18): a first case, in which alignment of a DL transmission timing between the radio communication node and the upper node is performed ([0028], lines 12-16, [0046] and Fig.3 Case1, illustrate “ Case 1 300 illustrates supporting DL transmission timing alignment across IAB nodes and donor nodes (e.g., across DU and parent node)” and as described in [0081], lines 13-18, how the control unit or the processor uses the MAC CE which contain TA instructions to perform the alignment “ In a specific example, 4 out of 6 bits of relative TA command in MAC-CE can be used to control UL TX TA (e.g., covers −8 to +7 range), and the remaining 2 bits out of 6 bits of relative TA command in MAC-CE provide DL TX TA (e.g., covers −2 to +1 range)”), a second case, in which the alignment of the first case and alignment of a DL transmission timing and a UL transmission timing within the radio communication node are performed (Fig. 3 Case 2, [0046], lines 21-24, “In another example, Case 2 310 illustrates supporting DL and UL transmission timing aligned within an IAB node (e.g., DU), such that a DU's DL/UL timing can be aligned with an MT's UL Tx timing within an IAB node.”, where the MT's UL Tx (Mobile Terminal’s Uplink Transmission) is a part of the radio communication node [0088], and the processor can manage this alignment using TA value “TA applying component 142, e.g., in conjunction with processor(s) 412, memory 416, transceiver 402, etc., can schedule, based at least in part on the UL Tx TA, transmission of the uplink communications to the upstream AN-F (or other upstream node(s))”, [0084, lines 4-8) , and a third case, in which the alignment of the first case and alignment of a DL reception timing and a UL reception timing within the radio communication node are performed (Fig. 3 Case 3, [0046], lines 24-27, describe the third case, “In another example, Case 3 320 illustrates supporting DL and UL reception timing aligned within an IAB node (e.g., DU), such that a DU's DL/Rx timing can be aligned with a MT's DL Rx timing within an IAB node” the control unit /processor can use the TA value to ensure the alignment for case 1 [0076], lines 1-4 and the control unit /processor uses the TA value to schedule both DL and UL receptions within the radio communication node, as described in [0084], lines 4-8).
Regarding claim 9 (Currently Amended) Islam teaches a radio communication method performed by a radio communication node (Figs 1-2, 4-7, [0006], a method for wireless communications is provided that includes receiving, by a first node in a wireless network), comprising:
receiving from an upper node of the radio communication node an instruction of a transmission timing to the upper node via a Medium Access Control-Control Element (MAC-CE) ([0056], “In an aspect, receiver 406 may receive signals transmitted by an upstream node”, the abstract depicts that the upstream node (upper node [0043], lines 11-12) send the instruction using MAC CE as indicating (instructing) a transmission timing, [0081], lines 1-2, where same MAC CE is used to convey TA values for both DL Tx and UL Tx, [0009]-[0010]); and determining the transmission timing to the upper node based on the instruction (([0007], lines 5-10 and [0011], lines 5-11, describe the upper node (upstream node or the node that closer to a network such as IAB-donor, [0043]) provides instruction such as UL Tx TA to the downstream node, which uses the instruction to decide the transmission timing for communication).
Islam fails to teach wherein the instruction is configured semi-persistently via the MAC-CE, and wherein the instruction applies to time resources indicated via radio resource control (RRC).
However, Ghanbarinejad teaches wherein the instruction is configured semi-persistently via the MAC-CE ([0233] and [0235] specifies a control message that triggers or activates a TX timing alignment mode with a semi-persistent scheduling (“SPS”). [0241]-[244] and [0248] describes the control message (instruction) may be a MAC-CE message for activation of a semi-persistent configuration or triggering an aperiodic configuration. That implies the instruction of the MAC-CE is configured semi-persistently. [0336] and Fig. 15 illustrate the use of MAC CE message for carrying timing advance/instruction commands [0138] with its related parameters, see also [0134], [0014]-[0015] and Figs. 7A and 7B. [0200] states “The signaling can be through a MAC-CE message for semi-persistent activation or deactivation of the timing alignment mode, a downlink control information (DCI) message for triggering a timing alignment mode for a period, for example one or multiple slots, or other signaling.” See also [0241]-[0248] that confirm timing alignment configuration, including the TA, can be set up to be semi-persistent, e.g., to be activated or deactivated by MAC-CE signaling), and wherein the instruction applies to time resources indicated via radio resource control (RRC) ([0374] and Table 5 provide examples about how the timing alignment configurations and their activation /deactivation are associated with RRC signaling, see [0190], [0194], [0359], where [0235] states that the timing alignment configuration can be associated with a resource set, a set of slots, and so on. This can be realized, for example, by referring to a timing alignment configuration ID in a resource set configuration, or by referring to a resource set configuration ID in a timing alignment mode configuration. [0236]-[0247] and [0375]-[0388] which is explicitly discloses that the configurations can be sent by RRC to the IAB node, which included identifier, type of alignment, periodicity, activation method with specific resources or slots. That means the RRC configuration defines which resources that the timing alignment applies to and activation/deactivation is managed using MAC CE /DCI).
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 Islam to incorporate the teachings of Ghanbarinejad (in analogous art) by determining wherein the instruction of the MAC-CE is configured semi-persistently, which allows service providers to reduce cell planning and spectrum planning efforts while utilizing the wireless backhaul technology. Doing that would increase deployment flexibility and reduce 5G rollout costs (Ghanbarinejad, [0060]).
Regarding claim 10 (New), Islam and Ghanbarinejad teach the radio communication node according to claim 6,
Islam does not explicitly disclose wherein the processor determines the transmission timing to the upper node based on the instruction and based on a time division duplex pattern configuration.
However, Ghanbarinejad discloses wherein the processor determines the transmission timing to the upper node based on the instruction and based on a time division duplex pattern configuration ([0480] describes that the processor determines timing alignment information associated with the downlink reference signal and the uplink reference signal; determines, based on the timing alignment information … the uplink reference signal. [0375]-[0382] provide the IAB node receives configurations/instructions such as TA, timing delta, and ATA values, then, the node applies these instructions to adjust its UL and DL transmission , as described in Case 1, Case 6 and Case 7 , for example, [0157] and [0158,. That means the processor determines the transmission timing based on the instruction. [0402] provides the uplink and downlink transmissions may be used the same frequency according to a time-division duplex (“TDD”) or a frequency-division duplex (“FDD”) setting, as an alternative, and [0180] describes the HD meaning that it is able to either transmit or receive signals in a frequency band at a time, where the HD operates fundamentally as a form of TDD. Figs. 4B-6, [0061] and [0117] illustrate the slots as half duplex slots and the UL and DL timing relation (time separated frames), that considered as visual demonstration and characteristic of the TDD. That implies the processor in the IAB node can determine the transmission timing to the upper node based on the instruction and TDD pattern configuration).
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 Islam to incorporate the teachings of Ghanbarinejad (in analogous art) by determining wherein the instruction of the MAC-CE is configured semi-persistently, which allows service providers to reduce cell planning and spectrum planning efforts while utilizing the wireless backhaul technology. Doing that would increase deployment flexibility and reduce 5G rollout costs (Ghanbarinejad, [0060]).
Relevant Prior Art
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant’s
disclosure.
LIU et al. (US-20220039038-A1), Harada et al. (US-20210329540-A1), Peele et al. (US-20200064027-A1), Zhou et al. (CN-110311762-A) and Covens et al. (US-20200191745-A1) teach methods relate to communicating timing advance (TA) values in an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) network in wireless communication systems.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to SANAA S AL SAMAHI whose telephone number is (571)272-4171. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8-5 EST.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Asad Nawaz can be reached at (571) 272-3988. 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.
/SANAA AL SAMAHI/Examiner, Art Unit 2463
/ASAD M NAWAZ/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2463
Prosecution Insights