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 .
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, see response to 35 U.S.C. 102 and 35 U.S.C. 103 rejections on pages 8-9, filed 4/29/26, with respect to the rejection(s) of claim(s) 16-29 under 35 U.S.C. 102 and 35 U.S.C. 103 have been fully considered and are persuasive. Therefore, the rejection has been withdrawn. However, upon further consideration, a new ground(s) of rejection is made in view of U.S. Publication No. 20110167128 to Raghunathan et al in view of U.S. Patent No. 10820263 to Barton et al, and in further view of U.S. Publication No. 20190159082 to Talebi Fard et al (independent claims 16 and 23); and U.S. Publication No. 20110167128 to Raghunathan et al in view of U.S. Publication No. 20220039193 to Sakhnini et al (independent claims 22 and 29).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 16, 18-20, 23, 25-27, and 30-33 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over U.S. Publication No. 20110167128 to Raghunathan et al in view of U.S. Patent No. 10820263 to Barton et al, and in further view of U.S. Publication No. 20190159082 to Talebi Fard et al.
Referring to claim 16, Raghunathan et al disclose in Figures 1-5 a method for estimating a duration when a UE is unreachable (loss of connection between BS and UE) caused by a coverage hole (dead spot region) in a coverage area of at least one access node (BS of Figures 1a-1b; each BS has a coverage area as shown by the dotted lines, and within each coverage area is a dead spot region with poor quality of service; Sections 0005-0007, 0007, 0009, 0010, 0033, and 0035) in a telecommunication network (network of Figures 1a-1b), the method comprising:
Determining that a connection between the UE and the telecommunication network (BS) is lost. Sections 0006, 0011-0013, 0031, 0041, 0043, 0048, 0049, and 0056: UE determines that there is a loss of connection between BS and UE due to increasing distance between UE and BS leading to poor signal quality of service and eventually loss of signal.
Determining (step 402) that the loss of connection is due to the UE entering the coverage hole.
UE has a loss of wireless connectivity with BS when UE is within the dead spot region. A location of a dead spot region within an expected route of UE is identified. UE identifies that it is in the dead spot region since UE passed through and sensed the dead spot region previously, and recorded the location coordinates of the dead spot region for future use. UE obtains its current location coordinates determined via GPS. UE then compares its current location coordinates with the location coordinates of the dead spot region, in order to determine whether or not UE is in the dead spot region.
Estimating (step 402) the duration of the UE in the coverage hole based on (UE estimates the time period during which UE is expected to be in the dead spot region):
… the coverage area and the coverage hole (Figures 1a-1b: each BS has a coverage area as shown by the dotted lines, and within each coverage area is a dead spot region with poor quality of service; Sections 0005-0007, 0007, 0009, 0010, 0033, and 0035). UE estimates the time period during which UE is expected to be in the dead spot region based on the location coordinates of the dead spot region in the coverage area of BS.
And, any one or more of a location information (determined via GPS) or a time information (when UE enters the dead spot region and when UE exits the dead spot region) of the UE in the coverage area (Sections 0043-0046 and 0049-0051). UE obtains its current location coordinates determined via GPS. UE then compares its current location coordinates with the location coordinates of the dead spot region, in order to determine the duration of UE in the dead spot region. UE compares its current location coordinates with the location coordinates of the nearer end of the dead spot region to determine when UE enters the dead spot region. Later, UE compares its current location coordinates with the location coordinates of the farther end of the dead spot region to determine when UE exits the dead spot region. So, UE can estimate the time period during which UE is expected to be in the dead spot region by calculating the difference between the time UE entered the dead spot region and the time UE exited the dead spot region. For example in Section 0050: UE estimates that it will be in the dead spot region from 11:53:04 am to 11:53:47 am. Refer to Sections 0005-0016 and 0025-0065.
…
Raghunathan et al do not disclose … estimating the duration of the UE in the coverage hole based on: a coverage map comprising the coverage area and the coverage hole, and any one or more of a location information or a time information of the UE in the coverage area. Raghunathan et al only disclose in Sections 0043-0046 and 0049-0051 wherein UE identifies that it is in the dead spot region since UE passed through and sensed the dead spot region previously, and recorded the location coordinates of the dead spot region for future use, but does not disclose a claimed “coverage map” indicating the dead spot region.
Barton et al disclose in Figures 1-12 and Column 2 line 19 to Column 3 line 18, Column 5 lines 15-31, and Column 6 line 57 to Column 7 line 22 wherein the network creates a dark map for WLAN. The dark map comprises a map indicating coverage holes / dead spots in the coverage area of WLAN where WLAN lacks coverage for basic data traffic. UE uses the dark map to identify dead spots in the WLAN. Refer to Column 1 line 53 to Column 10 line 11. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to include … estimating the duration of the UE in the coverage hole based on: a coverage map comprising the coverage area and the coverage hole, and any one or more of a location information or a time information of the UE in the coverage area. One would have been motivated to do so to simplify the system by allowing UE to determine dead spot regions using a coverage map, thereby facilitating dead spot region mitigation.
Raghunathan et al and Barton et al do not disclose … wherein the estimated duration is used for configuring buffering at a UPF or initiating AN release procedures at an AMF.
Talebi Fard et al disclose in Figures 1-15, Abstract, and Sections 0149, 0152, 0182, 0191, 0197, 0205, and 0206 wherein AMF determines, based on a buffering duration time parameter, a first data buffer expiration time parameter, if UE is unreachable. AMF determines that UE is unreachable and invokes extended buffering by deriving an expected time before UE becomes reachable and determines the buffering duration time parameter based on the expected time. AMF determines that data is buffered in the UPF and that UE is not reachable for a duration, so AMF determines the buffering duration time parameter based on the expected time before UE becomes reachable (claimed “the estimated duration is used for configuring buffering at a UPF”). Refer to Sections 0018-0215. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to include … wherein the estimated duration is used for configuring buffering at a UPF or initiating AN release procedures at an AMF (not in reference; claim is in “or” form). One would have been motivated to do so since the duration wherein UE is unreachable can be used for configuring UPF buffering to ensure data is buffered at the UPF until UE becomes reachable.
Referring to claim 18, Raghunathan et al and Talebi Fard et al do not disclose further comprising: creating the coverage map using the signal strength indicators obtained from a plurality of UE in the coverage area over time.
Barton et al disclose in Figures 1-12 and Column 3 lines 39-45, Column 5 lines 50-67, and Column 6 lines 50-65 wherein stations reports their locations along with the strength of signals, such as RSSI, of the APs to a mapping server stations move (claimed “creating the coverage map using the signal strength indicators obtained from a plurality of UE in the coverage area over time”). Mapping server uses the location and signal strength information of the stations to generate a dark map indicating coverage holes / dead spots in the coverage area of WLAN. Other claimed signal strength “indicators” that station reports to mapping server to generate the dark map includes RSNI and SINR. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to include further comprising: creating the coverage map using the signal strength indicators obtained from a plurality of UE in the coverage area over time. One would have been motivated to do so so that a coverage map indicating coverage holes can be generated based on signal strength indicators, which indicate when signal strength is low indicative of a coverage hole.
Referring to claim 19, Raghunathan et al disclose in Figures 1-5 further comprising:
Obtaining (step 402) the any one or more of the location information or the time information of the UE in the coverage area over time (location and time of UE when it enters the dead spot region, and location and time of UE when it exits the dead spot region; Sections 0043-0046 and 0049-0051).
Estimating (step 402) the duration of the UE in the coverage hole based on differences in the obtained any one or more of the location information or the time information of the UE in the coverage area over time (Sections 0043-0046 and 0049-0051). A location of a dead spot region within an expected route of UE is identified. UE identifies that it is in the dead spot region since UE passed through and sensed the dead spot region previously, and recorded the location coordinates of the dead spot region for future use. UE estimates the time period during which UE is expected to be in the dead spot region based on the location coordinates of the dead spot region in the coverage area of BS. UE obtains its current location coordinates determined via GPS. UE compares its current location coordinates with the location coordinates of the nearer end of the dead spot region to determine when UE enters the dead spot region. Later, UE compares its current location coordinates with the location coordinates of the farther end of the dead spot region to determine when UE exits the dead spot region. So, UE can estimate the time period during which UE is expected to be in the dead spot region by calculating the difference between the time UE entered the dead spot region and the time UE exited the dead spot region. For example in Section 0050: UE estimates that it will be in the dead spot region from 11:53:04 am to 11:53:47 am. Refer to Sections 0005-0016 and 0025-0065.
Referring to claim 20, Raghunathan et al disclose in Figures 1-5 further comprising:
Determining (step 402), based on the any one or more of the location information or the time information of the UE in the coverage area over time (location and time of UE when it enters the dead spot region, and location and time of UE when it exits the dead spot region; Sections 0043-0046 and 0049-0051), an expected set of any one or more of the location information or the time information of the UE in the coverage hole (expected location and expected time of UE when it enters the dead spot region, and expected location and expected time of UE when it exits the dead spot region) .
Estimating the duration of the UE in the coverage hole based on the determined expected set of any one or more of the location information or the time information. A location of a dead spot region within an expected route of UE is identified (since the method uses the expected route of UE, the location information and time information of UE in the dead spot region is also expected; claimed “expected set of any one or more of the location information or the time information of the UE in the coverage hole”). UE identifies that it is in the dead spot region since UE passed through and sensed the dead spot region previously, and recorded the location coordinates of the dead spot region for future use. UE estimates the time period during which UE is expected to be in the dead spot region (claimed “expected set of any one or more of the location information or the time information of the UE in the coverage hole”) based on the location coordinates of the dead spot region in the coverage area of BS. UE obtains its current location coordinates determined via GPS. UE compares its current location coordinates with the location coordinates of the nearer end of the dead spot region to determine when UE enters the dead spot region. Later, UE compares its current location coordinates with the location coordinates of the farther end of the dead spot region to determine when UE exits the dead spot region. So, UE can estimate the time period during which UE is expected to be in the dead spot region (“expected set of any one or more of the location information or the time information of the UE in the coverage hole”) by calculating the difference between the time UE entered the dead spot region and the time UE exited the dead spot region. For example in Section 0050: UE estimates that it will be in the dead spot region from 11:53:04 am to 11:53:47 am. Sections 0011, 0012, 0028, 0029, 0031, 0035, 0039, 0040, 0042, 0043, 0049, 0050-0052, 0056 and 0058 discloses an expected route of a vehicle, expected time of arrival at a dead spot, and time duration that the vehicle is expected to be in the dead spot which all read on the claimed “expected set of any one or more of the location information or the time information of the UE in the coverage hole”. Refer to Sections 0005-0016 and 0025-0065.
Referring to claim 23, Raghunathan et al disclose in Figures 1-5 a network entity (UE; the pending application 18/578041 discloses in the specification on page 4 lines 19-21 that the network entity can be a UE) arranged for operating in a telecommunication network (network of Figures 1a-1b) and arranged for estimating a duration when a UE is unreachable (loss of connection between BS and UE) caused by a coverage hole (dead spot region) in a coverage area of at least one access node (BS of Figures 1a-1b; each BS has a coverage area as shown by the dotted lines, and within each coverage area is a dead spot region with poor quality of service; Sections 0005-0007, 0007, 0009, 0010, 0033, and 0035) in a telecommunication network, configured to:
Determine that a connection between the UE and the telecommunication network (BS) is lost. Sections 0006, 0011-0013, 0031, 0041, 0043, 0048, 0049, and 0056: UE determines that there is a loss of connection between BS and UE due to increasing distance between UE and BS leading to poor signal quality of service and eventually loss of signal.
Determine (step 402) that the loss of connection is due to the UE entering the coverage hole.
UE has a loss of wireless connectivity with BS when UE is within the dead spot region. A location of a dead spot region within an expected route of UE is identified. UE identifies that it is in the dead spot region since UE passed through and sensed the dead spot region previously, and recorded the location coordinates of the dead spot region for future use. UE obtains its current location coordinates determined via GPS. UE then compares its current location coordinates with the location coordinates of the dead spot region, in order to determine whether or not UE is in the dead spot region.
Estimate (step 404) the duration of the UE in the coverage hole based on (UE estimates the time period during which UE is expected to be in the dead spot region):
… the coverage area and the coverage hole (Figures 1a-1b: each BS has a coverage area as shown by the dotted lines, and within each coverage area is a dead spot region with poor quality of service; Sections 0005-0007, 0007, 0009, 0010, 0033, and 0035). UE estimates the time period during which UE is expected to be in the dead spot region based on the location coordinates of the dead spot region in the coverage area of BS.
And, any one or more of a location information (determined via GPS) or a time information (when UE enters the dead spot region and when UE exits the dead spot region) of the UE in the coverage area (Sections 0043-0046 and 0049-0051). UE obtains its current location coordinates determined via GPS. UE then compares its current location coordinates with the location coordinates of the dead spot region, in order to determine the duration of UE in the dead spot region. UE compares its current location coordinates with the location coordinates of the nearer end of the dead spot region to determine when UE enters the dead spot region. Later, UE compares its current location coordinates with the location coordinates of the farther end of the dead spot region to determine when UE exits the dead spot region. So, UE can estimate the time period during which UE is expected to be in the dead spot region. For example in Section 0050: UE estimates that it will be in the dead spot region from 11:53:04 am to 11:53:47 am. Refer to Sections 0005-0016 and 0025-0065.
Raghunathan et al do not disclose … estimate the duration of the UE in the coverage hole based on: a coverage map comprising the coverage area and the coverage hole, and any one or more of a location information or a time information of the UE in the coverage area. Raghunathan et al only disclose in Sections 0043-0046 and 0049-0051 wherein UE identifies that it is in the dead spot region since UE passed through and sensed the dead spot region previously, and recorded the location coordinates of the dead spot region for future use, but does not disclose a claimed “coverage map” indicating the dead spot region.
Barton et al disclose in Figures 1-12 and Column 2 line 19 to Column 3 line 18, Column 5 lines 15-31, and Column 6 line 57 to Column 7 line 22 wherein the network creates a dark map for WLAN. The dark map comprises a map indicating coverage holes / dead spots in the coverage area of WLAN where WLAN lacks coverage for basic data traffic. UE uses the dark map to identify dead spots in the WLAN. Refer to Column 1 line 53 to Column 10 line 11. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to include … estimate the duration of the UE in the coverage hole based on: a coverage map comprising the coverage area and the coverage hole, and any one or more of a location information or a time information of the UE in the coverage area. One would have been motivated to do so to simplify the system by allowing UE to determine dead spot regions using a coverage map, thereby facilitating dead spot region mitigation.
Raghunathan et al and Barton et al do not disclose … wherein the estimated duration is used for configuring buffering at a UPF or initiating AN release procedures at an AMF.
Talebi Fard et al disclose in Figures 1-15, Abstract, and Sections 0149, 0152, 0182, 0191, 0197, 0205, and 0206 wherein AMF determines, based on a buffering duration time parameter, a first data buffer expiration time parameter, if UE is unreachable. AMF determines that UE is unreachable and invokes extended buffering by deriving an expected time before UE becomes reachable and determines the buffering duration time parameter based on the expected time. AMF determines that data is buffered in the UPF and that UE is not reachable for a duration, so AMF determines the buffering duration time parameter based on the expected time before UE becomes reachable (claimed “the estimated duration is used for configuring buffering at a UPF”). Refer to Sections 0018-0215. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to include … wherein the estimated duration is used for configuring buffering at a UPF or initiating AN release procedures at an AMF (not in reference; claim is in “or” form). One would have been motivated to do so since the duration wherein UE is unreachable can be used for configuring UPF buffering to ensure data is buffered at the UPF until UE becomes reachable.
Referring to claim 25, refer to the rejection of claim 18.
Referring to claim 26, refer to the rejection of claim 19.
Referring to claim 27, refer to the rejection of claim 20.
Referring to claim 30, Raghunathan et al and Barton et al do not disclose … wherein the estimated duration is used for configuring buffering at a UPF.
Talebi Fard et al disclose in Figures 1-15, Abstract, and Sections 0149, 0152, 0182, 0191, 0197, 0205, and 0206 wherein AMF determines, based on a buffering duration time parameter, a first data buffer expiration time parameter, if UE is unreachable. AMF determines that UE is unreachable and invokes extended buffering by deriving an expected time before UE becomes reachable and determines the buffering duration time parameter based on the expected time. AMF determines that data is buffered in the UPF and that UE is not reachable for a duration, so AMF determines the buffering duration time parameter based on the expected time before UE becomes reachable (claimed “the estimated duration is used for configuring buffering at a UPF”). Refer to Sections 0018-0215. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to include … wherein the estimated duration is used for configuring buffering at a UPF. One would have been motivated to do so since the duration wherein UE is unreachable can be used for configuring UPF buffering to ensure data is buffered at the UPF until UE becomes reachable.
Referring to claim 31, Raghunathan et al, Barton et al, and Talebi Fard et al do not disclose … wherein the estimated duration is used for initiating AN release procedures at an AMF.
However, claim 16, from which claim 31 depends, claims in lines 10-12 “wherein the estimated duration is used for configuring buffering at a UPF or initiating AN release procedures at an AMF”, which is in “or” form. Talebi Fard et al disclose the limitation “the estimated duration is used for configuring buffering at a UPF” (refer to the rejection of claim 16). So, the limitation “wherein the estimated duration is used for initiating AN release procedures at an AMF” is not required.
Referring to claim 32, refer to the rejection of claim 30.
Referring to claim 33, refer to the rejection of claim 31.
However, claim 23, from which claim 33 depends, claims in lines 11-13 “wherein the estimated duration is used for configuring buffering at a UPF or initiating AN release procedures at an AMF”, which is in “or” form. Talebi Fard et al disclose the limitation “the estimated duration is used for configuring buffering at a UPF” (refer to the rejection of claim 16). So, the limitation “wherein the estimated duration is used for initiating AN release procedures at an AMF” is not required.
Claims 17 and 24 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over U.S. Publication No. 20110167128 to Raghunathan et al in view of U.S. Patent No. 10820263 to Barton et al in view of U.S. Publication No. 20190159082 to Talebi Fard et al, and in further view of U.S. Publication No. 20070182631 to Berlinsky et al.
Referring to claim 17, Raghunathan et al disclose in Figures 1-5 further comprising:
Estimating the any one or more of the location information or the time information of the UE in the coverage area based on signal strength ... Sections 0005-0007, 0027-0029, 0033, 0034, 0039, 0048, and 0058: within the dead spot region, signal quality is low and signal strength is low. Sections 0043-0046 and 0049-0051: When UE determines that the signal quality is low, that the signal strength is low, or that there is no signal strength, UE identifies that it is in a dead spot region and identifies the location and time of when it is in the dead spot region. UE then records the location coordinates of the dead spot region for future use.
Receiving, from a GPS (vehicle sensor data 22), the any one or more of the location information or the time information of the UE in the coverage area. Sections 0027, 0043-0045, 0049, and 0056: UE uses a GPS in vehicle sensor data 22 to determine the time and location coordinates of the dead spot region and to determine the time and location coordinates of the current location of UE. Refer to Sections 0005-0016 and 0025-0065.
Raghunathan et al do not disclose … estimating the any one or more of the location information or the time information of the UE in the coverage area based on signal strength indicators …
Barton et al disclose in Figures 1-12 and Column 3 lines 39-45, Column 5 lines 50-67, and Column 6 lines 50-65 wherein stations reports their locations along with the strength of signals, such as RSSI (claimed “signal strength indicators”), of the APs to a mapping server stations move. Mapping server uses the location and signal strength information of the stations to generate a dark map indicating coverage holes / dead spots in the coverage area of WLAN. Other claimed signal strength “indicators” that station reports to mapping server to generate the dark map includes RSNI and SINR. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to include … estimating the any one or more of the location information or the time information of the UE in the coverage area based on signal strength indicators … One would have been motivated to do so so that a coverage map indicating coverage holes can be generated based on signal strength indicators, which indicate when signal strength is low indicative of a coverage hole.
Raghunathan et al, Barton et al, and Talebi Fard et al do not disclose … receiving, from a location server in the telecommunication network, the any one or more of the location information or the time information of the UE in the coverage area.
Berlinsky et al disclose in Figures 1-3 and Sections 0016-0020 and 0026-0032 wherein a location server in the network of Figures 1, 3 determines the location of UE using GPS satellites. Location server determines the coordinates of the location of UE using GPS and transmits the location coordinates to UE. Refer to Sections 0016-0032. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to include … receiving, from a location server in the telecommunication network, the any one or more of the location information or the time information of the UE in the coverage area. One would have been motivated to do so that UE can receive its GPS location from a location server, thereby facilitating location determination of UE.
Referring to claim 24, refer to the rejection of claim 17.
Claims 21 and 28 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over U.S. Publication No. 20110167128 to Raghunathan et al in view of U.S. Patent No. 10820263 to Barton et al in view of U.S. Publication No. 20190159082 to Talebi Fard et al, and in further view of U.S. Publication No. 20140142868 to Biduad et al.
Raghunathan et al, Barton et al, and Talebi Fard et al do not disclose wherein the step of estimating the duration of the UE comprises: estimating, using a machine learning algorithm, the duration of the UE in the coverage hole.
Biduad et al disclose in Figures 1-17 and Sections 0043, 0051 wherein machine learning software and reference data of landscapes in different weather conditions are used to predict signal strength to maintain maximum connectivity and reduce time spent in wireless dead zones. So, a machine learning algorithm is used to determine UE time spent in dead zones in order to reduce the time spent in the dead zones. Refer to Sections 0038-0151. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to include wherein the step of estimating the duration of the UE comprises: estimating, using a machine learning algorithm, the duration of the UE in the coverage hole. One would have been motivated to do so to simplify the estimation of the duration of UE in the coverage hole, since a machine learning algorithm learns patterns to make predictions.
Claims 22 and 29 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over U.S. Publication No. 20110167128 to Raghunathan et al in view of U.S. Publication No. 20220039193 to Sakhnini et al.
Referring to claim 22, Raghunathan et al disclose in Figures 1-5 a method for exposing a duration when a UE is unreachable (loss of connection between BS and UE) caused by a coverage hole (dead spot region) in a coverage area of at least one access node (BS of Figures 1a-1b; each BS has a coverage area as shown by the dotted lines, and within each coverage area is a dead spot region with poor quality of service; Sections 0005-0007, 0007, 0009, 0010, 0033, and 0035) in a telecommunication network (network of Figures 1a-1b), the method comprising:
Obtaining (step 402) an estimated duration of the UE in the coverage hole (Sections 0043-0046 and 0049-0051). A location of a dead spot region within an expected route of UE is identified. UE identifies that it is in the dead spot region since UE passed through and sensed the dead spot region previously, and recorded the location coordinates of the dead spot region for future use. UE estimates the time period during which UE is expected to be in the dead spot region based on the location coordinates of the dead spot region in the coverage area of BS. UE obtains its current location coordinates determined via GPS. UE compares its current location coordinates with the location coordinates of the nearer end of the dead spot region to determine when UE enters the dead spot region. Later, UE compares its current location coordinates with the location coordinates of the farther end of the dead spot region to determine when UE exits the dead spot region. So, UE can estimate the time period during which UE is expected to be in the dead spot region by calculating the difference between the time UE entered the dead spot region and the time UE exited the dead spot region. For example in Section 0050: UE estimates that it will be in the dead spot region from 11:53:04 am to 11:53:47 am.
Transmitting (step 404) the estimated duration of the UE in the coverage hole to at least one … network node (one other vehicle) in the telecommunication network (Sections 0043-0046 and 0049-0051). UE broadcasts a signal to at least one other vehicle that is in a vicinity of UE. The signal includes an identification of a time period during which UE is expected to be in the dead spot region, and an identification of the content provider. For example: the signal specifies the time period that UE expects to be in the dead spot region as from 11:53:04 am to 11:53:47 am and also specifies the content provider. Refer to Sections 0005-0016 and 0025-0065.
Raghunathan et al do not disclose … transmitting the estimated duration of the UE in the coverage hole to at least one core network node in the telecommunication network.
Sakhnini et al disclose in Figures 1-9 and Sections 0031, 0045-0046, 0051, 0087, and 0097-0102 wherein UE is communicating with BS; a temporary change in service availability occurs when UE is out of the coverage area of BS. BS reestablishes full communication services with UE after the temporary change in service availability has ended. UE informs BS of a duration or time when the temporary change in service availability will end, and then BS resumes full service with UE at that indicated time. Refer to Sections 0030-0159. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to include … transmitting the estimated duration of the UE in the coverage hole to at least one core network node in the telecommunication network. One would have been motivated to do so that UE can inform BS of the duration during which UE is out of coverage of BS, thereby allowing BS to resume transmission when UE is back in coverage of BS.
Referring to claim 29, Raghunathan et al disclose in Figures 1-5 a network entity (UE; the pending application 18/578041 discloses in the specification on page 4 lines 19-21 that the network entity can be a UE) for exposing a duration when a UE is unreachable (loss of connection between BS and UE) caused by a coverage hole (dead spot region) in a coverage area of at least one access node (BS of Figures 1a-1b; each BS has a coverage area as shown by the dotted lines, and within each coverage area is a dead spot region with poor quality of service; Sections 0005-0007, 0007, 0009, 0010, 0033, and 0035) in a telecommunication network (network of Figures 1a-1b), configured to:
Obtain (step 402) an estimated duration of the UE in the coverage hole (Sections 0043-0046 and 0049-0051). A location of a dead spot region within an expected route of UE is identified. UE identifies that it is in the dead spot region since UE passed through and sensed the dead spot region previously, and recorded the location coordinates of the dead spot region for future use. UE estimates the time period during which UE is expected to be in the dead spot region based on the location coordinates of the dead spot region in the coverage area of BS. UE obtains its current location coordinates determined via GPS. UE compares its current location coordinates with the location coordinates of the nearer end of the dead spot region to determine when UE enters the dead spot region. Later, UE compares its current location coordinates with the location coordinates of the farther end of the dead spot region to determine when UE exits the dead spot region. So, UE can estimate the time period during which UE is expected to be in the dead spot region by calculating the difference between the time UE entered the dead spot region and the time UE exited the dead spot region. For example in Section 0050: UE estimates that it will be in the dead spot region from 11:53:04 am to 11:53:47 am.
Transmit (step 404) the estimated duration of the UE in the coverage hole to at least one network node (one other vehicle) in the telecommunication network (Sections 0043-0046 and 0049-0051). UE broadcasts a signal to at least one other vehicle that is in a vicinity of UE. The signal includes an identification of a time period during which UE is expected to be in the dead spot region, and an identification of the content provider. For example: the signal specifies the time period that UE expects to be in the dead spot region as from 11:53:04 am to 11:53:47 am and also specifies the content provider. Refer to Sections 0005-0016 and 0025-0065.
Raghunathan et al do not disclose … transmit the estimated duration of the UE in the coverage hole to at least one core network node in the telecommunication network.
Sakhnini et al disclose in Figures 1-9 and Sections 0031, 0045-0046, 0051, 0087, and 0097-0102 wherein UE is communicating with BS; a temporary change in service availability occurs when UE is out of the coverage area of BS. BS reestablishes full communication services with UE after the temporary change in service availability has ended. UE informs BS of a duration or time when the temporary change in service availability will end, and then BS resumes full service with UE at that indicated time. Refer to Sections 0030-0159. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to include … transmit the estimated duration of the UE in the coverage hole to at least one core network node in the telecommunication network. One would have been motivated to do so that UE can inform BS of the duration during which UE is out of coverage of BS, thereby allowing BS to resume transmission when UE is back in coverage of BS.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
U.S. Publication No. 20100240346 to Jain et al disclose in Figures 1-9 and Sections 0054-0073 a method of identifying a location of a dead spot region within an expected route of a vehicle and determining an expected time period that the vehicle will be disposed within the dead spot region in order to perform dead spot mitigation. Refer to Sections 0031-0083.
U.S. Publication No. 20170013406 to Oliver et al disclose in Figures 1-12 and Sections 0049-0056 wherein a method that dynamically increases the size of the buffer prior to UE entering a dead zone; the method determines an amount of time for UE to reach the dead zone and directs UE to dynamically increase the size of the buffer after entering the dead zone. Refer to Sections 0014-0090.
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). 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 nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) 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.
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/Christine Ng/
Examiner, AU 2464
May 15, 2026
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