DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Response to Amendment
Applicant's amendment filed on 04/28/2026 has been entered. Claims 1, 11, 13, 20, 28 and 30 have been amended. No claims have been added or cancelled. Claims 1-30 are still pending in this application, with claims 1, 13, 20 and 30, being independent.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 04/28/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Regarding independent claim 1, Applicant submits that the newly-revised and/or recently-added claimed subject matter is not taught by Lyu. The examiner has revised the rejections to show other features of Lyu that teaches the newly-revised and/or recently added claimed subject matter. Please refer to the details in the rejection of the claims.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 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) 1-4, 6-23 and 25-30 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Lyu et al. (US 2025/0168697; hereinafter Lyu).
Regarding claim 1, Lyu shows an apparatus (Figure 16 shows a terminal device performing in part the method of Figure 4.) for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising:
memory (Figure 16; memory); and
at least one processor coupled to the memory and, based at least in part on information stored in the memory, the at least one processor is configured (Figure 16; noted computer program stored in memory and executed by the processor to perform the disclosed method.) to:
obtain a buffer status table configuration indicating one or more buffer status report (BSR) tables (Figure 4; Par. 0059, 0068; terminal device obtains a plurality of sets of information from previously received first information/first message. Second information/second message activates one or more sets of information. One or more sets of information refers to at least one BSR of the plurality of BSRs and information/parameters related to the one or more BSR.), wherein the one or more BSR tables are predefined at the UE based on the buffer status table configuration (Figure 4; Par. 0059, 0068; the plurality of BSR tables are already configured in the terminal device by the network device when the terminal device obtains the second information/message. For example, the network device can configure a plurality of BSR tables for the terminal device. The plurality of BSR tables do not take effect immediately after configuration. In addition, the network device can send a second message to the terminal device. The second message is configured to activate or deactivate at least one BSR table of the plurality of BSR tables.); and
communicate with the network entity based on a logical channel group (LCG) and a first BSR table from the one or more BSR tables, wherein the LCG is associated with a BSR of the first BSR table based on a buffer size of the UE for the LCG being within a size range associated with the first BSR table (Figure 4; Par. 0110-0112, 0160-0163, 0166; Data suitable to be included in the statistical range of the first BSR can be data of all logical channel groups or data of some logical channel groups. The specific data corresponding to which logical channel groups are suitable to be included in the statistical range of the first BSR can be configured by the network device to terminal device. If the network device configures a plurality of BSR tables for the terminal device, such as BSR table 1 and BSR table 2, the network device can indicate to the terminal device which logical channels corresponding to the data suitable to be included in the statistical range of BSR Table 1 and which logical channels corresponding to the data suitable to be included in the statistical range of BSR Table 2.).
Regarding claim 2, Lyu shows a transceiver coupled to the at least one processor (Figure 16 shows a transceiver coupled to the processor.).
Regarding claim 3, Lyu shows wherein the buffer status table configuration indicates the one or more BSR tables from a defined set of BSR tables (Par. 0068-0069; the first BSR table can include a plurality of BSR tables. For example, the network device can configure K BSR tables for the terminal device, where k represents an integer greater than or equal to 1. After the K BSR tables are configured, the network device can activate K1 BSR tables, where K1 is less than or equal to K.).
Regarding claim 4, Lyu shows wherein the buffer status table configuration configures at least one parameter for the one or more BSR tables (Par. 0061, 0070-0071; the information related to the first BSR table includes at least one of a parameter in the first BSR table.).
Regarding claim 6, Lyu shows wherein the buffer status table configuration configures at least one of a minimum buffer size (Par. 0071; the parameter in the first BSR table includes at least a lower limit of the data volume.), a maximum buffer size (Par. 0071; the parameter in the first BSR table includes at least an upper limit of the data volume.), a step size factor (Par. 0071; the parameter in the first BSR table includes at least step sizes of the BSR code points.), or a type of step size for each of the one or more BSR tables (Par. 0071; the parameter in the first BSR table includes at least step sizes of the BSR code points.).
Regarding claim 7, Lyu shows wherein the at least one processor is configured to: generate the one or more BSR tables based on parameters received in the buffer status table configuration (Par. 0058, 0370; the first BSR is generated based on first information.).
Regarding claim 8, Lyu shows wherein the parameters received in the buffer status table configuration comprises an adjustment parameter (Figure 4; Par. 0061, 0071; the information related to the first BSR table includes at least one of a parameter in the first BSR table. The parameter in the first BSR table includes at least one of: an upper limit of the data volume, a lower limit of the data volume, a number of bits corresponding to the BSR code points (hereinafter referred to as a number of bits), and step sizes of the BSR code points.), wherein the one or more BSR tables is generated based on the adjustment parameter and a reference BSR table, wherein the reference BSR table is configurable or preconfigured (Par. 0334; The first BSR is determined based on a first BSR table, and the second BSR is determined based on a second BSR table. The second BSR table can be the table shown in Table 1. The first BSR table has corresponding relationships among BSR code points and the data volume different from corresponding relationships among BSR code points and the data volume in the second BSR table. The first BSR is referred to as the new BSR and the second BSR is referred to as the old BSR.).
Regarding claim 9, Lyu shows wherein the buffer status table configuration indicates a set of BSR tables for the UE (Par. 0068-0069; the first BSR table can include a plurality of BSR tables. For example, the network device can configure K BSR tables for the terminal device, where k represents an integer greater than or equal to 1. After the K BSR tables are configured, the network device can activate K1 BSR tables, where K1 is less than or equal to K.), wherein the at least one processor is configured to:
receive additional control signaling that indicates at least one BSR table from the set of BSR tables configured for the UE (Par. 0068-0069; The network device can configure a plurality of BSR tables for the terminal device. The plurality of BSR tables do not take effect immediately after configuration. The plurality of BSR tables are for the terminal device by the network device through the RRC message. In addition, the network device can send a second message to the terminal device. The second message is configured to activate or deactivate at least one BSR table of the plurality of BSR tables.).
Regarding claim 10, Lyu shows wherein the buffer status table configuration indicates multiple BSR tables for the UE (Par. 0068-0069; the first BSR table can include a plurality of BSR tables. For example, the network device can configure K BSR tables for the terminal device, where k represents an integer greater than or equal to 1. After the K BSR tables are configured, the network device can activate K1 BSR tables, where K1 is less than or equal to K.), wherein the at least one processor is configured to:
transmit an indication reporting a selected BSR table of the multiple BSR tables, wherein the selected BSR table comprises the first BSR table (Figure 4; Par. 0053-0054, 0058; the terminal device sends a first BSR to the network device based on the first information which indicates at least information related to a first BSR table.).
Regarding claim 11, Lyu shows wherein to communicate with the network entity based on the first BSR table the at least one processor is configured to: transmit the BSR to the network entity using a codepoint corresponding to an amount of buffered data within the size range and an entry in the first BSR table (Par. 0071, 0076-0077, 0110-0112, 0160-0163, 0166; The parameter in the first BSR table includes at least one of: an upper limit of the data volume, a lower limit of the data volume, a number of bits corresponding to the BSR code points (hereinafter referred to as a number of bits), and step sizes of the BSR code points. The BSR code points can also be referred to as BSR index values. In a case that the data volume falls within the range from 10000 bytes to 10500 bytes, the BSR code point 0 is reported by the terminal device. Data suitable to be included in the statistical range of the first BSR can be data of all logical channel groups or data of some logical channel groups. The specific data corresponding to which logical channel groups are suitable to be included in the statistical range of the first BSR can be configured by the network device to terminal device. If the network device configures a plurality of BSR tables for the terminal device, such as BSR table 1 and BSR table 2, the network device can indicate to the terminal device which logical channels corresponding to the data suitable to be included in the statistical range of BSR Table 1 and which logical channels corresponding to the data suitable to be included in the statistical range of BSR Table 2.).
Regarding claim 12, Lyu shows wherein the one or more BSR tables (Par. 0071, 0076-0077; The parameter in the first BSR table includes at least one of: an upper limit of the data volume, a lower limit of the data volume, a number of bits corresponding to the BSR code points (hereinafter referred to as a number of bits), and step sizes of the BSR code points.) include at least one of: different minimum buffer sizes (Par. 0071; the parameter in the first BSR table includes at least a lower limit of the data volume.), different maximum buffer sizes (Par. 0071; the parameter in the first BSR table includes at least an upper limit of the data volume.), different step size factors (Par. 0071; the parameter in the first BSR table includes at least step sizes of the BSR code points.), or different types of step sizes (Par. 0071; the parameter in the first BSR table includes at least step sizes of the BSR code points.).
Regarding claim 13, Lyu shows a method of wireless communication at a user equipment (UE) (Figure 16 shows a terminal device performing in part the method of Figure 4.), comprising:
obtaining a buffer status table configuration indicating one or more buffer status report (BSR) tables (Figure 4; Par. 0059, 0068; terminal device obtains a plurality of sets of information from previously received first information/first message. Second information/second message activates one or more sets of information. One or more sets of information refers to at least one BSR of the plurality of BSRs and information/parameters related to the one or more BSR.), wherein the one or more BSR tables are predefined at the UE based on the buffer status table configuration (Figure 4; Par. 0059, 0068; the plurality of BSR tables are already configured in the terminal device by the network device when the terminal device obtains the second information/message. For example, the network device can configure a plurality of BSR tables for the terminal device. The plurality of BSR tables do not take effect immediately after configuration. In addition, the network device can send a second message to the terminal device. The second message is configured to activate or deactivate at least one BSR table of the plurality of BSR tables.); and
communicating with the network entity based on a logical channel group (LCG) and a first BSR table from the one or more BSR tables, wherein the LCG is associated with a BSR of the first BSR table based on a buffer size of the UE for the LCG being within a size range associated with the first BSR table (Figure 4; Par. 0110-0112, 0160-0163, 0166; Data suitable to be included in the statistical range of the first BSR can be data of all logical channel groups or data of some logical channel groups. The specific data corresponding to which logical channel groups are suitable to be included in the statistical range of the first BSR can be configured by the network device to terminal device. If the network device configures a plurality of BSR tables for the terminal device, such as BSR table 1 and BSR table 2, the network device can indicate to the terminal device which logical channels corresponding to the data suitable to be included in the statistical range of BSR Table 1 and which logical channels corresponding to the data suitable to be included in the statistical range of BSR Table 2.)..
Regarding claims 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19, these claims are rejected based on the same reasoning as presented in the rejection of claims 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, respectively.
Regarding claim 20, Lyu shows an apparatus (Figure 16 shows a network device performing in part the method of Figure 4.) for wireless communication at a network entity, comprising:
memory (Figure 16; memory); and
at least one processor coupled to the memory and, based at least in part on information stored in the memory (Figure 16; noted computer program stored in memory and executed by the processor to perform the disclosed method.), the at least one processor is configured to:
provide, to a user equipment (UE), a buffer status table configuration (Figure 4; Par. 0051-0052; network device transmits first information to a terminal device.) indicating one or more buffer status report (BSR) tables (Figure 4; Par. 0058, 0061+; the first information indicates at least information related to a first BSR table.), wherein the one or more BSR tables are predefined at the UE or configurable by the UE based on the buffer status table configuration (Figure 4; Par. 0052, 0057; in some embodiments, a portion of the first information is sent by the network device to the terminal device, and another portion of the first information is predefined in the protocol.); and
communicate with the UE based on a logical channel group (LCG) and a first BSR table from the one or more BSR tables, wherein the LCG is associated with a BSR of the first BSR table based on a buffer size of the UE for the LCG being within a size range associated with the first BSR table (Figure 4; Par. 0110-0112, 0160-0163, 0166; the network device receives a first BSR to the terminal device based on the first information which indicates at least information related to a first BSR table. Data suitable to be included in the statistical range of the first BSR can be data of all logical channel groups or data of some logical channel groups. The specific data corresponding to which logical channel groups are suitable to be included in the statistical range of the first BSR can be configured by the network device to terminal device. If the network device configures a plurality of BSR tables for the terminal device, such as BSR table 1 and BSR table 2, the network device can indicate to the terminal device which logical channels corresponding to the data suitable to be included in the statistical range of BSR Table 1 and which logical channels corresponding to the data suitable to be included in the statistical range of BSR Table 2.).
Regarding claim 21, Lyu shows a transceiver coupled to the at least one processor (Figure 16 shows a transceiver coupled to the processor.).
Regarding claims 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29, these claims are rejected based on the same reasoning as presented in the rejection of claims 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12, respectively.
Regarding claim 30, Lyu shows a method (Figure 16 shows a network device performing in part the method of Figure 4.) of wireless communication at a network entity, comprising:
providing, to a user equipment (UE), a buffer status table configuration (Figure 4; Par. 0051-0052; network device transmits first information to a terminal device.) indicating one or more buffer status report (BSR) tables (Figure 4; Par. 0058, 0061+; the first information indicates at least information related to a first BSR table.), wherein the one or more BSR tables are predefined at the UE or configurable by the UE based on the buffer status table configuration (Figure 4; Par. 0052, 0057; in some embodiments, a portion of the first information is sent by the network device to the terminal device, and another portion of the first information is predefined in the protocol.); and
communicating with the UE based on a logical channel group (LCG) and a first BSR table from the one or more BSR tables, wherein the LCG is associated with a BSR of the first BSR table based on a buffer size of the UE for the LCG being within a size range associated with the first BSR table (Figure 4; Par. 0053-0054, 0058, 0110-0112, 0160-0163, 0166; the network device receives a first BSR to the terminal device based on the first information which indicates at least information related to a first BSR table. Data suitable to be included in the statistical range of the first BSR can be data of all logical channel groups or data of some logical channel groups. The specific data corresponding to which logical channel groups are suitable to be included in the statistical range of the first BSR can be configured by the network device to terminal device. If the network device configures a plurality of BSR tables for the terminal device, such as BSR table 1 and BSR table 2, the network device can indicate to the terminal device which logical channels corresponding to the data suitable to be included in the statistical range of BSR Table 1 and which logical channels corresponding to the data suitable to be included in the statistical range of BSR Table 2.).
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.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claim(s) 5 and 24 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Lyu in view of Sha et al. (US 20250113247 A1; hereinafter Sha).
Regarding claim 5, Lyu shows all of the elements including the buffer status table configuration, as discussed above. Lyu does not specifically show except wherein the buffer status table configuration is comprised within radio resource control (RRC) signaling.
However, the above-mentioned claim limitations are well-established in the art as evidenced by Sha. Specifically, Sha shows wherein the buffer status table configuration is comprised within radio resource control (RRC) signaling (Par. 0158; the UE receives, from gNB, at least one of an indication of whether the gNB supports the Supplement BSR MAC CE, an indication of activating the Supplement BSR MAC CE report, or a threshold associated with sending the Supplement BSR MAC CE. The gNB may send the indication(s) or the threshold over SIB (system information block) or an RRC dedicated signaling (e.g. configured per UE, per LCG, Per logical channel, per RLC configuration or per DRB in the RRC dedicated signaling).).
In view of the above, having the system of Lyu, then given the well-established teaching of Sha, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the system of Lyu as taught by Sha, in order to provide motivation for efficient buffer status reporting with a fine granularity (Par. 0008-0009 of Sha).
Regarding claims 24, this claim is rejected based on the same reasoning as presented in the rejection of claim 5.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
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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.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to REDENTOR M PASIA whose telephone number is (571)272-9745. The examiner can normally be reached Mondays-Fridays 5am-245pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Un Cho can be reached at (571)272-7919. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/REDENTOR PASIA/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2413
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