DETAILED ACTION
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
This action is responsive to the Remark filed on 6/30/26.
Claim(s) 44-45, 47 & 48 was/were amended.
Claim(s) 29-35, 42, 44-50 is/are presented for examination.
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.
Claim(s) 29-32, 34-35, 42, 44-47, 49-50 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Tao, U.S. Pub/Patent No. US 20210345367A1.
As to claim 29, Tao teaches a method performed by a user equipment, UE, for determining a start position of a system information, SI, window to acquire a SI message in a wireless communication network, wherein one or more SI messages are scheduled using a first or a second list of scheduling information, the method comprising:
receiving, from a radio network node, an input parameter as a value in an information element, IE, or in a field in a message, to determine the start position of the SI window used for acquiring the SI message (Tao, page 5, paragraph 80; page 6, paragraph 81 & 88; i.e., [0080] determine the start (or starting point) of the first time
window for each SI message as a slot with a number which corresponds to the position of the respective entry(ies). The sequence (e.g., order) in which the SI messages are referenced in the system information configuration determines the respective start of the first time window for each SI message);
if the SI message is scheduled using the first list of scheduling information, determining the start position of the SI window based on a location of the SI message in the first list of scheduling information (Tao, page 2, paragraph 24; page 5, paragraph 73-74; page 6, paragraph 81 & 88; i.e., [0024] the availability and scheduling (e.g., mapping of SIBs to SI message, periodicity, SI-window size) of other SIBs with an indication whether one or more SIBs are only provided on-demand and, in that case, the configuration needed by the UE to perform the SI request; [0074] the UE 110 may determine the location of the reoccurring at least one first time window by separately inferring the start of the time window and the length of the time window for each of the at least one SI messages. [0081] In a system information configuration which refers to (has an entry regarding) the SI message with periodicity of 8 radio frames, this determines the start of the respective time window at slot 0. And for the subsequent entries of SI messages with periodicity of 16 and 32 radio frames, this determines the start of the respective time window at slot 6 and slot 11 (the first slot of the subsequent radio frame)); and
if the SI message is scheduled using the second list of scheduling information, determining the start position of the SI window by taking the received input parameter into account, wherein the received input parameter is indicating the start position of the SI window used for acquiring the SI message (Tao, page 5, paragraph 73-74; page 6, paragraph 81 & 88; i.e., [0074] the UE 110 may determine the location of the reoccurring at least one first time window by separately inferring the start of the time window and the length of the time window for each of the at least one SI messages. [0081] In a system information configuration which refers to (has an entry regarding) the SI message with periodicity of 8 radio frames, this determines the start of the respective time window at slot 0. And for the subsequent entries of SI messages with periodicity of 16 and 32 radio frames, this determines the start of the respective time window at slot 6 and slot 11 (the first slot of the subsequent radio frame)).
As to claim 30, Tao teaches the method as recited in claim 29, further comprising receiving, from the network, configuration indicating if the SI message is scheduled using the first or the second list of scheduling information (Tao, page 2, paragraph 24; i.e., [0024] the availability and scheduling (e.g., mapping of SIBs to SI message, periodicity, SI-window size) of other SIBs with an indication whether one or more SIBs are only provided on-demand and, in that case, the configuration needed by the UE to perform the SI request).
As to claim 31, Tao teaches the method as recited in claim 29, wherein the received input parameter is a value configured at the radio network node (Tao, page 5, paragraph 80; page 6, paragraph 81 & 88; i.e., [0080] determine the start (or starting point) of the first time window for each SI message as a slot with a number which corresponds to the position of the respective entry(ies). The sequence (e.g., order) in which the SI messages are referenced in the system information configuration determines the respective start of the first time window for each SI message).
As to claim 32, Tao teaches the method as recited in claim 29, wherein the start position is determined, in case the SI message is scheduled using the second list of scheduling information, based on an integer value, which integer value is based on said received input parameter and window length of the SI message (Tao, page 2, paragraph 24; i.e., [0024] the availability and scheduling (e.g., mapping of SIBs to SI message, periodicity, SI-window size) of other SIBs with an indication whether one or more SIBs are only provided on-demand and, in that case, the configuration needed by the UE to perform the SI request).
As to claim 34, Tao teaches the method as recited in claim 29, wherein the received input parameter is indicated in an information element, IE, in which presence in said IE indicates a start position of the SI window (Tao, page 5, paragraph 80; page 6, paragraph 81 & 88; i.e., [0080] determine the start (or starting point) of the first time window for each SI message as a slot with a number which corresponds to the position of the respective entry(ies). The sequence (e.g., order) in which the SI messages are referenced in the system information configuration determines the respective start of the first time window for each SI message).
As to claim 35, Tao teaches the method as recited in claim 29, wherein the received input parameter is indicated in a field in a message in which presence of said field indicates a start position of the SI window (Tao, page 5, paragraph 80; page 6, paragraph 81 & 88; i.e., [0080] determine the start (or starting point) of the first time window for each SI message as a slot with a number which corresponds to the position of the respective entry(ies). The sequence (e.g., order) in which the SI messages are referenced in the system information configuration determines the respective start of the first time window for each SI message).
Claim(s) 42 is/are directed to a non-transitory claim and they do not teach or further define over the limitations recited in claim(s) 29. Therefore, claim(s) 42 is/are also rejected for similar reasons set forth in claim(s) 29.
Claim(s) 44-47, 49-50 is/are directed to a system claims and they do not teach or further define over the limitations recited in claim(s) 29-32, 34-35. Therefore, claim(s) 44-47, 49-50 is/are also rejected for similar reasons set forth in claim(s) 29-32, 34-35.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102 of this title, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claim(s) 33 & 48 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tao, U.S. Pub/Patent No. US 20210345367A1 in view of Li, U.S. Patent/Pub. No. US 20200344814A1.
As to claim 33, Tao teaches the method as recited in claim 32. But Tao failed to teach the claim limitation wherein the integer value is calculated by taking the received input parameter minus 1 and multiplying it with a value representing the window length of the SI window.
However, Li teaches the limitation wherein the integer value is calculated by taking the received input parameter minus 1 and multiplying it with a value representing the window length of the SI window (Li, page 4, paragraph 46 & 55; i.e.,
[0046] (ii) determine the integer value x=(n-1 )*w+k*g*l0, where w is the si-WindowLength, while g is SI request window for SI request, k=0 ... MaxSIGroup with k=0 corresponding to the first SI Group; [0055] (ii) determine the integer value x=(n-1 )*w+SI group gapl+ ... SI group gap k, where w is the siWindowLength, while g is SI request window for SI request,
SI group gap is the gap between two neighbor SI groups, and k is the gap numbers before this SI).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective date of the claimed invention to modify Tao to substitute SIREQ from Li for CORESET from Tao to improve the demand for capacity and connectivity, and other aspects, such as energy consumption, device cost, spectral efficiency, and latency (Li, page 1, paragraph 3).
Claim(s) 48 is/are directed to a system claims and they do not teach or further define over the limitations recited in claim(s) 33. Therefore, claim(s) 48 is/are also rejected for similar reasons set forth in claim(s) 33.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s argument(s) filed 6/30/26 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Applicant argues in substance that: A) with respect to claims 29 & 44; Applicant submits, at least based on the foregoing, the claim language "the first list" and "the second list" that can determine the start position would be clear to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and also whether "the input parameter" identifies what is the start position would also be clear to a person of ordinary skill in the art; B) with respect to claims 29 & 44; Applicant respectfully submits that these portions of Tao fail to disclose or suggest the claimed features. There is no disclosure in Tao of “(1) a first list or a second list of scheduling information, and (2) "if the SI message is scheduled using the first list of scheduling information, determining the start position of the SI window based on a location of the SI message in the first list of scheduling information; and (3) if the SI message is scheduled using the second list of scheduling information, determining the start position of the SI window by taking the received input parameter into account, wherein the received input parameter is indicating the start position of the SI window used for acquiring the SI message" (page 13-14).
In response to A); The applicant' s argument(s) regarding to the Objection of claim(s) 29-35 & 44-50 under 35 U.S.C §101 have been fully considered and they are persuasive. The Objection has been withdrawn due to the Applicant's argument(s).
In response to B); Tao does teach the claimed limitation of “if the SI message is scheduled using the first list of scheduling information, determining the start position of the SI window based on a location of the SI message in the first list of scheduling information” (Tao, page 2, paragraph 24; i.e., [0024] the availability and scheduling (e.g., mapping of SIBs to SI message, periodicity, SI-window size) of other SIBs with an indication whether one or more SIBs are only provided on-demand and, in that case, the configuration needed by the UE to perform the SI request); and “if the SI message is scheduled using the second list of scheduling information, determining the start position of the SI window by taking the received input parameter into account, wherein the received input parameter is indicating the start position of the SI window used for acquiring the SI message” (Tao, page 5, paragraph 73-74; page 6, paragraph 81 & 88; i.e., [0074] the UE 110 may determine the location of the reoccurring at least one first time window by separately inferring the start of the time window and the length of the time window for each of the at least one SI messages. [0081] In a system information configuration which refers to (has an entry regarding) the SI message with periodicity of 8 radio frames, this determines the start of the respective time window at slot 0. And for the subsequent entries of SI messages with periodicity of 16 and 32 radio frames, this determines the start of the respective time window at slot 6 and slot 11 (the first slot of the subsequent radio frame)). Moreover, Tao discloses the method of scheduling or mapping of SIBs to SI message, periodicity, SI-window size of other SIBs with an indication whether one or more SIBs are only provided on-demand which clearly equating to determining the start position of the SI window. Furthermore, Tao discloses the method of determine the location of the reoccurring at least one first time window by separately inferring the start of the time window and the length of the time window for each of the at least one SI messages, which clearly equating to received input parameter is indicating the start position of the SI window. Therefore, Tao meets the claim limitation.
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Listing of Relevant Arts
Kim, U.S. Patent/Pub. No. US 20230142130 A1 discloses SI window starts slot and integer value.
Agiwal, U.S. Patent/Pub. No. US 20200084704 A1 discloses SI window starts slot.
Contact Information
The present application is being examined under the pre-AIA first to invent provisions.
THUONG NGUYEN whose telephone number is (571)272-3864. The examiner can normally be reached on Monday-Friday 9:00-6:00.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Noel Beharry can be reached on 571-270-5630. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/THUONG NGUYEN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2416
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