DETAILED ACTION
This communication is in response to the claims filed on 01/05/2024.
Application No: 18/577,012
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
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.
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 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.
The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U. S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied 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 1-3, 5-7 and 9-15 are rejected under 35 U. S. C. 103 as being unpatentable over KimLaeyoung et al. (US 20230319514 A1) in view of XuJian et al. (US 20230108178 A1) and further in view of DOC1 (3GPP TS 23.247 V1.0.0 (2021-06) - 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; Architectural enhancements for 5G multicast-broadcast services; Stage 2 (Release 17)).
Regarding claim 1, KimLaeyoung teaches a method of processing a multicast-broadcast service (MBS) session by a session management function (SMF) in a wireless communication system ([0020], e.g. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an architecture that allows the UE to simultaneously access two data networks using one PDU session. [0007] a method for SMF to perform multicast-related communication). [0099] The one or more processors 102 and 202 may generate signals (e.g., baseband signals) including PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and/or operational flowcharts disclosed in the present disclosure and provide the generated signals to the one or more transceivers 106 and 206. [0113] 5GC (5G Core) may include various components, part of which are shown in FIG. 4, including an access and mobility management function (AMF) 410, a session management function (SMF) 420, a policy control function (PCF) 430, a User Plane Function (UPF) 44), the method comprising:
in case that it is determined that a user equipment (UE) leaves the MBS session, receiving, from an access and mobility management function (AMF), a first message to request for updating a packet data unit (PDU) session related to the MBS session ([0114], e.g. A UE 100 is connected to a data network via the UPF 440 through a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) including the gNB 20. [0119] The UPF 440 operates as a boundary point between a next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) and the core network and maintains a data path between the gNB 20 and the SMF 420. In addition, when the UE 100 moves over an area served by the gNB 20, the UPF 440 serves as a mobility anchor point. The UPF 440 may perform a function of handling a PDU (i.e. updating PDU when re-routing packets). For mobility within the NG-RAN (which is defined after 3GPP Release-15), the UPF 440 may route packets (i.e. re-routs the packets when it is determined that a user equipment (UE) leaves the MBS session, receiving, from an access and mobility management function (AMF), a first message to request for updating a packet data unit (PDU) session related to the MBS session). [0123] The illustrated SMF 420 may perform a function of allocating an Internet protocol (IP) address of the UE. In addition, the SMF may control a protocol data unit (PDU) session (i.e. updating PDU when a message is re-routed)).
KimLaeyoung teaches that If the AMF is modified after the final registration, if valid subscription context of the UE does not exist in the AMF, or if the UE provides a SUPI, wherein the AMF does not refer to a valid context, the new AMF initiates an Update Location procedure. However KimLaeyoung differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
transmitting, to the AMF, a second message corresponding to a response to an update of the PDU session in response to the first message, wherein the second message comprises information indicating that the UE is removed from the MBS session.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, XuJian teaches wherein
transmitting, a second message corresponding to a response to an update of the PDU session in response to the first message ([0164], e.g. Upon reception of the UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message, the gNB-DU shall perform the modifications, and if the modification is successful, the gNB-DU may report the update of the UE context in the UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION RESPONSE message (i.e. response to an update of the PDU session in response to the first message). [0170] The 5G QoS model may be extended to support Multicast flow. At Session Management level for a particular UE, the Multicast session context may exist in association with at least one PDU session, and can be set-up during the PDU session establishment or modification procedure. It may be modified at any point via PDU session modification procedure. The Multicast session context may be common to all UEs configured with the Multicast session context, but the associated PDU session context may be specific to each UE),
wherein the second message comprises information indicating that the UE is removed from the MBS session ([0184], e.g. In step S1407, The reception of the join message may trigger the UPF to notify the SMF. The UPF can be optimized to send the notification only when UE's status in regard to number of multicast groups UE has joined changes (i.e., when the UE joins or leaves a group). The SMF may initiate PDU session modification procedure upon the reception of the notification from the UPF (i.e. he second message comprises information indicating that the UE is removed from the MBS session)).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to implement the method of XuJian within the method of KimLaeyoung . The motivation to combine references is that the combined method provides that the present disclosure can have various advantageous effects. For example, gNB-CU can properly and dynamically perform changing the MBS service areas based on the UEs' and/or DUs' feedback information. Therefore, the radio resource for multicast/broadcast can be used efficiently, and also the multicast service can be more accurate for the proper UEs (See XuJian [abstract, 0014, 0015).
KimLaeyoung in view of XuJian teaches transmitting, a second message corresponding to a response to an update of the PDU session in response to the first message.
However they differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
transmitting, to the AMF, a second message.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, DOC1 teaches wherein
transmitting, to the AMF, a second message ([Figure 7.2.2.3-1: SMF removing joined UEs from MBS session], e.g. The MB-SMF triggers the NG-RANs via the AMFs to release radio resources for the MBS session. Same procedure as defined in step 3-7 in clause 7.2.5.3 is used).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to implement the method of Doc1 and XuJian within the method of KimLaeyoung . The motivation to combine references is that the combined method provides that architectural enhancements to the 5G system using NR to support multicast and broadcast communication services (See DOC1 [paragraph 1, Scope, page 8]).
Regarding claim 2, KimLaeyoung in view of XuJian and further in view of DOC1 teaches all the limitations of claim 1. KimLaeyoung further teaches wherein an ID for the MBS session mapped to the PDU session is deleted ([0255], e.g. The SMF may verify whether or not the UE request follows the user subscription and local policy. Alternatively, the SMF may reject the UE request via NAS SM signaling (including the related SM rejection cause), which is forwarded (or transferred) by the AMF, and then the SMF may notify to the AMF that this shall be considered as a release of the PDU session ID (i.e. delete ID mapped to the PDU session)).
Regarding claim 3, KimLaeyoung in view of XuJian and further in view of DOC1 teaches all the limitations of claim 1. KimLaeyoung further teaches wherein in case that it is determined that the UE continuously receives the service in the MBS session, transmitting, to the UE through the AMF, information indicating that the MBS session is in an alive state ([0613], e.g. When the AMF receives the MB session start message, the AMF may set the MB session context to an active state (i.e. MBS session is in an alive state)).
Regarding claim 5 KimLaeyoung in view of XuJian and further in view of DOC1 teaches all the limitations of claim 1. KimLaeyoung further teaches wherein determining a first MBS session to continuously provide the service to the UE and a second MBS session not to provide the service to the UE any more among a plurality of MBS sessions mapped to the PDU session ([0240], e.g. More specifically, The UE may extract and store the information of the allowed S-NSSAI and the mapped S-NSSAI included in the registration accept message received from the network (i.e., AMF) in the registration procedure of FIGS. 9a and 9b. Accordingly, the UE may transmit the PDU session establishment request message by including both the S-NSSAI based on the allowed NSSAI (i.e. determining a first MBS session to continuously provide the service to the UE) and the corresponding S-NSSAI based on the mapped NSSAI information (i.e. a second MBS session not to provide the service to the UE )).
Regarding claim 6, KimLaeyoung teaches a method of processing a multicast-broadcast service (MBS) session by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system [0007], e.g. a method for SMF to perform multicast-related communication ([0020], e.g. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an architecture that allows the UE to simultaneously access two data networks using one PDU session. [0007] a method for SMF to perform multicast-related communication). [0099] The one or more processors 102 and 202 may generate signals (e.g., baseband signals) including PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and/or operational flowcharts disclosed in the present disclosure and provide the generated signals to the one or more transceivers 106 and 206. [0113] 5GC (5G Core) may include various components, part of which are shown in FIG. 4, including an access and mobility management function (AMF) 410, a session management function (SMF) 420, a policy control function (PCF) 430, a User Plane Function (UPF) 44), the method comprising:
in case that it is determined that the UE leaves the MBS session, transmitting, to a session management function (SMF) through an access and mobility management function (AMF), a first message to request for changing a packet data unit (PDU) session related to the MBS session ([0114], e.g. A UE 100 is connected to a data network via the UPF 440 through a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) including the gNB 20. [0119] The UPF 440 operates as a boundary point between a next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) and the core network and maintains a data path between the gNB 20 and the SMF 420. In addition, when the UE 100 moves over an area served by the gNB 20, the UPF 440 serves as a mobility anchor point. The UPF 440 may perform a function of handling a PDU (i.e. updating PDU when re-routing packets). For mobility within the NG-RAN (which is defined after 3GPP Release-15), the UPF 440 may route packets (i.e. re-routs the packets when it is determined that a user equipment (UE) leaves the MBS session, receiving, from an access and mobility management function (AMF), a first message to request for updating a packet data unit (PDU) session related to the MBS session). [0123] The illustrated SMF 420 may perform a function of allocating an Internet protocol (IP) address of the UE. In addition, the SMF may control a protocol data unit (PDU) session (i.e. updating PDU when a message is re-routed)).
KimLaeyoung teaches that If the AMF is modified after the final registration, if valid subscription context of the UE does not exist in the AMF, or if the UE provides a SUPI, wherein the AMF does not refer to a valid context, the new AMF initiates an Update Location procedure. However KimLaeyoung differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
receiving, from the SMF through the AMF, a second message corresponding to a response to a change in the PDU session in response to the first message; and processing the MBS sessions based on the first information, wherein the second message comprises information indicating that the UE is removed from the MBS session.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, XuJian teaches wherein
receiving, from the SMF, a second message corresponding to a response to a change in the PDU session in response to the first message; and processing the MBS sessions based on the first information ([0164], e.g. Upon reception of the UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message, the gNB-DU shall perform the modifications, and if the modification is successful, the gNB-DU may report the update of the UE context in the UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION RESPONSE message (i.e. response to an update of the PDU session in response to the first message). [0170] The 5G QoS model may be extended to support Multicast flow. At Session Management level for a particular UE, the Multicast session context may exist in association with at least one PDU session, and can be set-up during the PDU session establishment or modification procedure. It may be modified at any point via PDU session modification procedure. The Multicast session context may be common to all UEs configured with the Multicast session context, but the associated PDU session context may be specific to each UE),
wherein the second message comprises information indicating that the UE is removed from the MBS session ([0184], e.g. In step S1407, The reception of the join message may trigger the UPF to notify the SMF. The UPF can be optimized to send the notification only when UE's status in regard to number of multicast groups UE has joined changes (i.e., when the UE joins or leaves a group). The SMF may initiate PDU session modification procedure upon the reception of the notification from the UPF (i.e. he second message comprises information indicating that the UE is removed from the MBS session)).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to implement the method of XuJian within the method of KimLaeyoung . The motivation to combine references is that the combined method provides that the present disclosure can have various advantageous effects. For example, gNB-CU can properly and dynamically perform changing the MBS service areas based on the UEs' and/or DUs' feedback information. Therefore, the radio resource for multicast/broadcast can be used efficiently, and also the multicast service can be more accurate for the proper UEs (See XuJian [abstract, 0014, 0015).
KimLaeyoung in view of XuJian teaches transmitting, a second message corresponding to a response to an update of the PDU session in response to the first message.
However they differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
receiving, from the SMF through the AMF.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, DOC1 teaches wherein
receiving, from the SMF through the AMF ([Figure 7.2.2.3-1: SMF removing joined UEs from MBS session ], e.g. The MB-SMF triggers the NG-RANs via the AMFs to release radio resources for the MBS session. Same procedure as defined in step 3-7 in clause 7.2.5.3 is used).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to implement the method of Doc1 and XuJian within the method of KimLaeyoung . The motivation to combine references is that the combined method provides that architectural enhancements to the 5G system using NR to support multicast and broadcast communication services (See DOC1 [paragraph 1, Scope, page 8]).
Regarding claim 7, KimLaeyoung in view of XuJian and further in view of DOC1 teaches all the limitations of claim 6. KimLaeyoung further teaches wherein an ID of the MBS session mapped to the PDU session is deleted ([0255], e.g. The SMF may verify whether or not the UE request follows the user subscription and local policy. Alternatively, the SMF may reject the UE request via NAS SM signaling (including the related SM rejection cause), which is forwarded (or transferred) by the AMF, and then the SMF may notify to the AMF that this shall be considered as a release of the PDU session ID (i.e. delete ID mapped to the PDU session)).
Regarding claim 8, KimLaeyoung in view of XuJian and further in view of DOC1 teaches all the limitations of claim 6. KimLaeyoung further teaches wherein in case that it is determined that the UE continuously receives the service in the MBS session, receiving, from the SMF through the AMF, information indicating that the MBS session is in an alive state ([0613], e.g. When the AMF receives the MB session start message, the AMF may set the MB session context to an active state (i.e. MBS session is in an alive state)).
Regarding claim 10, KimLaeyoung in view of XuJian and further in view of DOC1 teaches all the limitations of claim 6. KimLaeyoung further teaches wherein a first MBS session to continuously provide the service to the UE is determined among a plurality of MBS sessions mapped to the PDU session and a second MBS session not to provide the service to the UE any more is determined among the plurality of MBS sessions ([0240], e.g. More specifically, The UE may extract and store the information of the allowed S-NSSAI and the mapped S-NSSAI included in the registration accept message received from the network (i.e., AMF) in the registration procedure of FIGS. 9a and 9b. Accordingly, the UE may transmit the PDU session establishment request message by including both the S-NSSAI based on the allowed NSSAI (i.e. determining a first MBS session to continuously provide the service to the UE) and the corresponding S-NSSAI based on the mapped NSSAI information (i.e. a second MBS session not to provide the service to the UE)).
Regarding claim 11, KimLaeyoung teaches a session management function (SMF) processing a multicast-broadcast service (MBS) session in a wireless communication system, the SMF ([0020], e.g. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an architecture that allows the UE to simultaneously access two data networks using one PDU session. [0007] a method for SMF to perform multicast-related communication). [0099] The one or more processors 102 and 202 may generate signals (e.g., baseband signals) including PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and/or operational flowcharts disclosed in the present disclosure and provide the generated signals to the one or more transceivers 106 and 206. [0113] 5GC (5G Core) may include various components, part of which are shown in FIG. 4, including an access and mobility management function (AMF) 410, a session management function (SMF) 420, a policy control function (PCF) 430, a User Plane Function (UPF) 44). [0490] Multicast communication (e.g. transmission) for MBS performed in 5GS may not be traffic transmission through a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session established by the UE. For example, multicast communication (e.g., transmission) for MBS performed in 5GS may be interpreted as transmitting traffic using a path/tunnel/resource formed (or established) for a multicast group), comprising:
a transceiver; and a controller connected to the transceiver ([0490], e.g. A multicast radio bearer may be used for the NG-RAN to transmit one copy of MBS data packets over the radio. When the NG-RAN transmits (i.e. using a transceiver) one copy of MBS data packets through the multicast radio bearer, all UEs (UEs that will receive MBS data packets) can receive them), wherein the controller is configured to:
in case that it is determined that a user equipment (UE) leaves the MBS session, perform control to receive, from an access and mobility management function (AMF), a first message to request for updating a packet data unit (PDU) session related to the MBS session ([0114], e.g. A UE 100 is connected to a data network via the UPF 440 through a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) including the gNB 20. [0119] The UPF 440 operates as a boundary point between a next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) and the core network and maintains a data path between the gNB 20 and the SMF 420. In addition, when the UE 100 moves over an area served by the gNB 20, the UPF 440 serves as a mobility anchor point. The UPF 440 may perform a function of handling a PDU (i.e. updating PDU when re-routing packets). For mobility within the NG-RAN (which is defined after 3GPP Release-15), the UPF 440 may route packets (i.e. re-routs the packets when it is determined that a user equipment (UE) leaves the MBS session, receiving, from an access and mobility management function (AMF), a first message to request for updating a packet data unit (PDU) session related to the MBS session). [0123] The illustrated SMF 420 may perform a function of allocating an Internet protocol (IP) address of the UE. In addition, the SMF may control a protocol data unit (PDU) session (i.e. updating PDU when a message is re-routed)).
KimLaeyoung teaches that If the AMF is modified after the final registration, if valid subscription context of the UE does not exist in the AMF, or if the UE provides a SUPI, wherein the AMF does not refer to a valid context, the new AMF initiates an Update Location procedure. However KimLaeyoung differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
perform control to transmit, to the AMF, a second message corresponding to a response to an update of the PDU session in response to the first message, and wherein the second message comprises information indicating that the UE is removed from the MBS session.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, XuJian teaches wherein
perform control to transmit, a second message corresponding to a response to an update of the PDU session in response to the first message ([0164], e.g. Upon reception of the UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message, the gNB-DU shall perform the modifications, and if the modification is successful, the gNB-DU may report the update of the UE context in the UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION RESPONSE message (i.e. response to an update of the PDU session in response to the first message). [0170] The 5G QoS model may be extended to support Multicast flow. At Session Management level for a particular UE, the Multicast session context may exist in association with at least one PDU session, and can be set-up during the PDU session establishment or modification procedure. It may be modified at any point via PDU session modification procedure. The Multicast session context may be common to all UEs configured with the Multicast session context, but the associated PDU session context may be specific to each UE), and
wherein the second message comprises information indicating that the UE is removed from the MBS session ([0184], e.g. In step S1407, The reception of the join message may trigger the UPF to notify the SMF. The UPF can be optimized to send the notification only when UE's status in regard to number of multicast groups UE has joined changes (i.e., when the UE joins or leaves a group). The SMF may initiate PDU session modification procedure upon the reception of the notification from the UPF (i.e. he second message comprises information indicating that the UE is removed from the MBS session)).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to implement the method of XuJian within the method of KimLaeyoung . The motivation to combine references is that the combined method provides that the present disclosure can have various advantageous effects. For example, gNB-CU can properly and dynamically perform changing the MBS service areas based on the UEs' and/or DUs' feedback information. Therefore, the radio resource for multicast/broadcast can be used efficiently, and also the multicast service can be more accurate for the proper UEs (See XuJian [abstract, 0014, 0015).
KimLaeyoung in view of XuJian teaches transmitting, a second message corresponding to a response to an update of the PDU session in response to the first message.
However they differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
transmit to the AMF, a second message.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, DOC1 teaches wherein
transmit, to the AMF, a second message ([Figure 7.2.2.3-1: SMF removing joined UEs from MBS session], e.g. The MB-SMF triggers the NG-RANs via the AMFs to release radio resources for the MBS session. Same procedure as defined in step 3-7 in clause 7.2.5.3 is used).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to implement the method of Doc1 and XuJian within the method of KimLaeyoung . The motivation to combine references is that the combined method provides that architectural enhancements to the 5G system using NR to support multicast and broadcast communication services (See DOC1 [paragraph 1, Scope, page 8]).
Regarding claim 12, KimLaeyoung in view of XuJian and further in view of DOC1 teaches all the limitations of claim 11. KimLaeyoung further teaches wherein an ID for the MBS session mapped to the PDU session is deleted ([0255], e.g. The SMF may verify whether or not the UE request follows the user subscription and local policy. Alternatively, the SMF may reject the UE request via NAS SM signaling (including the related SM rejection cause), which is forwarded (or transferred) by the AMF, and then the SMF may notify to the AMF that this shall be considered as a release of the PDU session ID (i.e. delete ID mapped to the PDU session)).
Regarding claim 13, KimLaeyoung in view of XuJian and further in view of DOC1 teaches all the limitations of claim 11. KimLaeyoung further teaches wherein the controller is configured to, in case that it is determined that the UE continuously receives the service in the MBS session, perform control to transmit, to the UE through the AMF, information indicating that the MBS session is in an alive state ([0613], e.g. When the AMF receives the MB session start message, the AMF may set the MB session context to an active state (i.e. MBS session is in an alive state)).
Regarding claim 14, KimLaeyoung teaches a user equipment (UE) processing a multicast-broadcast service (MBS) session in a wireless communication system ([0020], e.g. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an architecture that allows the UE to simultaneously access two data networks using one PDU session. [0007] a method for SMF to perform multicast-related communication). [0099] The one or more processors 102 and 202 may generate signals (e.g., baseband signals) including PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and/or operational flowcharts disclosed in the present disclosure and provide the generated signals to the one or more transceivers 106 and 206. [0113] 5GC (5G Core) may include various components, part of which are shown in FIG. 4, including an access and mobility management function (AMF) 410, a session management function (SMF) 420, a policy control function (PCF) 430, a User Plane Function (UPF) 44). [0490] Multicast communication (e.g. transmission) for MBS performed in 5GS may not be traffic transmission through a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session established by the UE. For example, multicast communication (e.g., transmission) for MBS performed in 5GS may be interpreted as transmitting traffic using a path/tunnel/resource formed (or established) for a multicast group), the UE comprising:
a transceiver; and a controller connected to the transceiver ([0490], e.g. A multicast radio bearer may be used for the NG-RAN to transmit one copy of MBS data packets over the radio. When the NG-RAN transmits (i.e. using a transceiver) one copy of MBS data packets through the multicast radio bearer, all UEs (UEs that will receive MBS data packets) can receive them), wherein the controller is configured to:
in case that it is determined that the UE leaves the MBS session, perform control to transmit, to a session management function (SMF) through an access and mobility management function (AMF), a first message to request for changing a packet data unit (PDU) session related to the MBS session ([0114], e.g. A UE 100 is connected to a data network via the UPF 440 through a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) including the gNB 20. [0119] The UPF 440 operates as a boundary point between a next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) and the core network and maintains a data path between the gNB 20 and the SMF 420. In addition, when the UE 100 moves over an area served by the gNB 20, the UPF 440 serves as a mobility anchor point. The UPF 440 may perform a function of handling a PDU (i.e. updating PDU when re-routing packets). For mobility within the NG-RAN (which is defined after 3GPP Release-15), the UPF 440 may route packets (i.e. re-routs the packets when it is determined that a user equipment (UE) leaves the MBS session, receiving, from an access and mobility management function (AMF), a first message to request for updating a packet data unit (PDU) session related to the MBS session). [0123] The illustrated SMF 420 may perform a function of allocating an Internet protocol (IP) address of the UE. In addition, the SMF may control a protocol data unit (PDU) session (i.e. updating PDU when a message is re-routed)).
KimLaeyoung teaches that If the AMF is modified after the final registration, if valid subscription context of the UE does not exist in the AMF, or if the UE provides a SUPI, wherein the AMF does not refer to a valid context, the new AMF initiates an Update Location procedure. However KimLaeyoung differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
perform control to receive, from the SMF through the AMF, a second message corresponding to a response to a change in the PDU Session in response to the firstmessage; andprocess the MBS session based on the first information, and wherein the second message comprises information indicating that the UE is removed from the MBS session.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, XuJian teaches wherein
perform control to receive, from the SMF, a second message corresponding to a response to a change in the PDU Session in response to the first message ([0164], e.g. Upon reception of the UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST message, the gNB-DU shall perform the modifications, and if the modification is successful, the gNB-DU may report the update of the UE context in the UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION RESPONSE message (i.e. response to an update of the PDU session in response to the first message). [0170] The 5G QoS model may be extended to support Multicast flow. At Session Management level for a particular UE, the Multicast session context may exist in association with at least one PDU session, and can be set-up during the PDU session establishment or modification procedure. It may be modified at any point via PDU session modification procedure. The Multicast session context may be common to all UEs configured with the Multicast session context, but the associated PDU session context may be specific to each UE), and
process the MBS session based on the first information, and wherein the second message comprises information indicating that the UE is removed from the MBS session ([0184], e.g. In step S1407, The reception of the join message may trigger the UPF to notify the SMF. The UPF can be optimized to send the notification only when UE's status in regard to number of multicast groups UE has joined changes (i.e., when the UE joins or leaves a group). The SMF may initiate PDU session modification procedure upon the reception of the notification from the UPF (i.e. he second message comprises information indicating that the UE is removed from the MBS session)).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to implement the method of XuJian within the method of KimLaeyoung . The motivation to combine references is that the combined method provides that the present disclosure can have various advantageous effects. For example, gNB-CU can properly and dynamically perform changing the MBS service areas based on the UEs' and/or DUs' feedback information. Therefore, the radio resource for multicast/broadcast can be used efficiently, and also the multicast service can be more accurate for the proper UEs (See XuJian [abstract, 0014, 0015).
KimLaeyoung in view of XuJian teaches transmitting, a second message corresponding to a response to an update of the PDU session in response to the first message.
However they differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
receive, through the AMF, a second message.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, DOC1 teaches wherein
receive, through the AMF, a second message ([Figure 7.2.2.3-1: SMF removing joined UEs from MBS session], e.g. The MB-SMF triggers the NG-RANs via the AMFs to release radio resources for the MBS session. Same procedure as defined in step 3-7 in clause 7.2.5.3 is used).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to implement the method of Doc1 and XuJian within the method of KimLaeyoung . The motivation to combine references is that the combined method provides that architectural enhancements to the 5G system using NR to support multicast and broadcast communication services (See DOC1 [paragraph 1, Scope, page 8]).
Regarding claim 15, KimLaeyoung in view of XuJian and further in view of DOC1 teaches all the limitations of claim 14. KimLaeyoung further teaches wherein an ID for the MBS session mapped to the PDU session is deleted ([0255], e.g. The SMF may verify whether or not the UE request follows the user subscription and local policy. Alternatively, the SMF may reject the UE request via NAS SM signaling (including the related SM rejection cause), which is forwarded (or transferred) by the AMF, and then the SMF may notify to the AMF that this shall be considered as a release of the PDU session ID (i.e. delete ID mapped to the PDU session)).
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 4 and 8 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, and amending claims to overcome any objection(s) and /or rejection(s) set forth in this Office action.
Prior Art Record
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent
to applicant’s disclosure.
Venkatachalam; Muthaiah (US-20080175238-A1) - PROXY IGMP CLIENT AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING MULTICAST BROADCAST SERVICES IN A BROADBAND WIRELESS ACCESS NETWORK.
Dou; Fenghui (US-20200170055-A1) - Session Management Method and System, and Terminal.
BAEK; Youngkyo (US-20220279319-A1) - NETWORK STRUCTURE AND SERVICE PROVIDING METHOD FOR SUPPORTING MULTICAST AND BROADCAST SERVICE IN MOBILE COMMUNICATION NETWORK.
SON; Jungje (US-20220400358-A1) - APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING MBS SERVICE SESSION FOR MBS SERVICE PROVISION IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM.
HONG; Sung-pyo (US-20230082017-A1) - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROCESSING MBS DATA.
Byun; Daewook (US-11832277-B2) - Method and apparatus for paging for multicast and broadcast service in a wireless communication system.
Guo; Shu (US-11882435-B2) - MBS-key distribution and traffic protection.
DAO; Ngoc Dung (US-20190223250-A1) - METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MULTICAST-BROADCAST SESSION RELEASE AND MODIFICATION.
Conclusion
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/MAHENDRA R PATEL/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2645