DETAILED ACTION
Claims 1-5, 7-9, 11, 13, 15-17, 24, 27, 30-31, and 34-36 are presented for examination. Claims 1, 5, 24, and 34 are amended. Claims 6, 10, 12, 14, 18-23, 25-26, 28-29, 32, and 33 are canceled.
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
3. Applicant’s arguments with respect to claim(s) 1 and 24 have been considered but are moot based on the new grounds of rejection necessitated by applicant’s amendments.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or non-obviousness.
7. Claim(s) 1-5, 34, and 35 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 2022/0303935 A1 by Olsson et al. (hereafter referred to as Olsson), in view of US 2020/0280849 A1 by Ito et al. (hereafter referred to as Ito).
Regarding claim 1, Olsson teaches A method for performing re-allocation of a UE from an initial core network element (see at least Fig. 9 (900) Initial AMF) to a target core network element in a communication network (see at least Fig. 9 (902) Target AMF), performed by the initial core network element (see at least Fig. 9 (9012); Re-Route NAS message), the method comprising:
receiving, from a first network element, a first message (see at least step 9012; Reroute NAS message) comprising a list of candidate core network elements (see at least Fig. 9 and ¶ [0115]-[0134]; “Step 9012; initial AMF sends a Reroute NAS message to RAN. The Reroute NAS message includes the information about the target AMF set.”);
selecting the target core network element from the list of candidate core network elements (see at least Figure 9 (9014); “The (R)AN returns, to the initial AMF 900, a re-route NAS message ACK including a selected AMF pointer (step 9014). The initial AMF 900 sends the UE security context together with the selected AMF pointer and SUCI to an AUSF 912 (step 9016). The (R)AN sends the Initial UE message to the target AMF 902 (step 9018) indicating reroute due to slicing including, if provided in the Reroute NAS message, also the Allowed NSSAI and token.”); and
transmitting, to a second network element, a second message comprising the selected target core network element (see at least Figure 9 (9014); “The (R)AN returns, to the initial AMF 900, a re-route NAS message ACK including a selected AMF pointer (step 9014). The initial AMF 900 sends the UE security context together with the selected AMF pointer and SUCI to an AUSF 912 (step 9016). The (R)AN sends the Initial UE message to the target AMF 902 (step 9018) indicating reroute due to slicing including, if provided in the Reroute NAS message, also the Allowed NSSAI and token.”), … ;
wherein each of the initial core network element and the target core network element comprises an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) (see at least Fig. 9; AMF).
Olsson does not appear to specifically disclose to request an identifier of the UE that is to be assigned by the target core network element.
In the same field of endeavor, Ito teaches to request an identifier of the UE that is to be assigned by the target core network element (see at least ¶ [0192]; “Next, the Target AMF 33_2 checks a UE identity (S182). Next, the Target AMF 33_2 transmits a UE identification Request to the Source AMF 33_1 (S183). The UE identification Request includes a 5G-GUTI/SUCI/SUPI. Next, the Source AMF 33_1 transmits a UE identification Response to the Target AMF 33_2 (S184). The UE identification Response includes a 5G-GUTI/SUCI/SUPI and AUSF ID.”).
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify the request taught by Olsson with the request taught by Ito in order to prevent a reduction in security level.
Regarding claim 2, Olsson in view of Ito teaches the method of claim 1.
In addition, Olsson teaches wherein before receiving the first message, the method further comprises: transmitting, to the first network element, a third message requesting the list of candidate core network elements, wherein the first message is a response to the third message (see at least Figure 9 (9014); “The (R)AN returns, to the initial AMF 900, a re-route NAS message ACK including a selected AMF pointer (step 9014). The initial AMF 900 sends the UE security context together with the selected AMF pointer and SUCI to an AUSF 912 (step 9016). The (R)AN sends the Initial UE message to the target AMF 902 (step 9018) indicating reroute due to slicing including, if provided in the Reroute NAS message, also the Allowed NSSAI and token.”).
Regarding claim 3, Olsson in view of Ito teaches the method of claim 2.
In addition, Olsson teaches wherein transmitting, to the first network element, the third message requesting the list of candidate core network elements comprises: in response to the initial core network element not supporting at least one of: a network slice subscribed by the UE or a network function subscribed by the UE, transmitting, to the first network element, the third message requesting the list of candidate core network elements, wherein the first message is a response to the third message (see at least Figure 9 (9014); “The (R)AN returns, to the initial AMF 900, a re-route NAS message ACK including a selected AMF pointer (step 9014). The initial AMF 900 sends the UE security context together with the selected AMF pointer and SUCI to an AUSF 912 (step 9016). The (R)AN sends the Initial UE message to the target AMF 902 (step 9018) indicating reroute due to slicing including, if provided in the Reroute NAS message, also the Allowed NSSAI and token.”).
Regarding claim 4, Olsson in view of Ito teaches the method of claim 2. In addition, Olsson teaches wherein: the first message comprises a NnrfNFDiscoveryresponse message; and the third message comprises a NnrfNFDiscoveryrequest message (see at least Fig. 1A (6a, 6b); Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request/Response).
Regarding claim 5, Olsson teaches the method of claim 1. In addition, Olsson teaches wherein: the first network element comprises a Network Repository Function (NRF) (see at least ¶ [0056]; a Network Function (NF) Repository Function (NRF)); and the second network element comprises at least one of: an NRF; a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF); or an authentication server function (AUSF) (see at least ¶ [0056]; an Authentication Server Function (AUSF), a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), a Network Exposure Function (NEF), a Network Function (NF) Repository Function (NRF)).
Regarding claim 34, Olsson teaches an initial core network element comprising a memory for storing computer instructions and a processor in communication with the memory (see at least Fig. 9 (900,902) Initial/Target AMF), wherein, when the processor executes the computer instructions, the processor is configured to cause the initial core network element to:
receive, from a first network element, a first message (see at least step 9012; Reroute NAS message) comprising a list of candidate core network elements (see at least Fig. 9 and ¶ [0115]-[0134]; “Step 9012; initial AMF sends a Reroute NAS message to RAN. The Reroute NAS message includes the information about the target AMF set.”); and
transmit, to a second network element, a second message comprising the selected target core network element (see at least Figure 9 (9014); “The (R)AN returns, to the initial AMF 900, a re-route NAS message ACK including a selected AMF pointer (step 9014). The initial AMF 900 sends the UE security context together with the selected AMF pointer and SUCI to an AUSF 912 (step 9016). The (R)AN sends the Initial UE message to the target AMF 902 (step 9018) indicating reroute due to slicing including, if provided in the Reroute NAS message, also the Allowed NSSAI and token.”), … ;
wherein each of the initial core network element and the target core network element comprises an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) (see at least Fig. 9; AMF).
Olsson does not appear to specifically disclose to request an identifier of the UE that is to be assigned by the target core network element.
In the same field of endeavor, Ito teaches to request an identifier of the UE that is to be assigned by the target core network element (see at least ¶ [0192]; “Next, the Target AMF 33_2 checks a UE identity (S182). Next, the Target AMF 33_2 transmits a UE identification Request to the Source AMF 33_1 (S183). The UE identification Request includes a 5G-GUTI/SUCI/SUPI. Next, the Source AMF 33_1 transmits a UE identification Response to the Target AMF 33_2 (S184). The UE identification Response includes a 5G-GUTI/SUCI/SUPI and AUSF ID.”).
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify the request taught by Olsson with the request taught by Ito in order to prevent a reduction in security level.
Regarding claim 35, Olsson in view of Ito teaches a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable program medium with computer code stored thereupon, the computer code, when executed by one or more processors, causing the one or more processors to implement a method of claim 1 (see rejection of claim 1 above).
8. Claim(s) 7-9, 11, 13, and 15-17 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Olsson in view of Ito as applied to claim 1 above, further in view of US 2022/0053446 A1 (English translation of WO 2020/221175 A1) by Deng et al. (previously presented, hereafter referred to as Deng).
Regarding claim 7, Olsson teaches the method of claim 1.
Olsson does not appear to specifically disclose wherein the second network element has direct accesses to both the initial core network element and the target core network element, and wherein the initial core network element does not have a direct access to the target core network element.
In the same field of endeavor, Deng teaches wherein the second network element has direct accesses to both the initial core network element and the target core network element, and wherein the initial core network element does not have a direct access to the target core network element (see at least ¶ [0004]; “The initial AMF sends the received registration request information to a target AMF that can serve the UE. When there is no direct connection between the initial AMF and the target AMF, the initial AMF sends the received registration request message that carries the SUCI to the target AMF via a (radio) access network ((R)AN).”).
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify Olsson with Deng in order to a registration method.
Regarding claim 8, Olsson teaches the method of claim 1.
Olsson does not appear to specifically disclose wherein before receiving the first message, the method further comprises: receiving a first registration request message initiated from the UE, the first registration request message indicating a first registration request with the communication network.
In the same field of endeavor, Deng teaches wherein before receiving the first message, the method further comprises: receiving a first registration request message initiated from the UE, the first registration request message indicating a first registration request with the communication network (see at least Fig. 11 step 1103, Fig. 12 step 1209, Fig. 13 step 1307 and ¶ [0435], [0475]-[0476], [0501], [0514]).
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify Olsson with Deng in order to a registration method.
Regarding claim 9, Olsson in view of Deng teaches the method of claim 8.
In the obvious combination, Deng further teaches the method further comprising: receiving, from the second network element, a fourth message as a response to the second message, the fourth message comprising a UE identifier for the UE assigned by the target core network element, wherein the UE identifier comprises a 5G Global Unique Temporary Identifier (5G-GUTI) (see at least Fig. 11 and ¶ [0435]-[0450]; 5G-GUTI).
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify Olsson with Deng in order to a registration method.
Regarding claim 11, Olsson in view of Deng teaches the method of claim 9.
In the obvious combination, Deng teaches the method further comprising: transmitting, to the UE, a fifth message indicating that the first registration request is accepted, the fifth message comprising the UE identifier, wherein the fifth message comprises a registration accept message (see at least ¶ [0474]-[0476]; registration accept message).
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify Olsson with Deng in order to a registration method.
Regarding claim 13, Olsson in view of Deng teaches the method of claim 11.
In addition, Deng further teaches transmitting, to the UE, a sixth message triggering the UE to start a subsequent registration procedure with the target core network element based on the UE identifier, wherein the sixth message comprises one of:
a UE configuration update command; or
a de-registration request message (see at least ¶ [0474]-[0476]; de-registration procedure).
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify Olsson with Deng in order to a registration method.
Regarding claim 15, Olsson in view of Deng teaches the method of claim 13.
In the obvious combination, Deng further teaches wherein the UE configuration update command or the de-registration request message carries a registration indicator (see at least ¶ [0432]-[0433]; information indicator).
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify Olsson with Deng in order to a registration method.
Regarding claim 16, Olsson in view of Deng teaches the method of claim 13.
In addition, Deng further teaches wherein: the sixth message triggers the UE to transmit a second registration request message to an access network element of the communication network for registering with the target core network element, the second registration request message comprising an information element being indicative of the UE identifier, the UE identifier being indicative of the target core network element (see at least ¶ [0004]; “During initial registration of the UE, the UE first initiates registration request that carries a subscription concealed identifier (SUCI). The registration request information carries only cleartext information element(s) (IE). After receiving the registration request that carries the SUCI, an initial AMF initiates primary authentication to generate an AMF key Kamf and a corresponding key set identifier ngKSI. The initial AMF activates and starts to use the Kamf generated during the primary authentication by using a non-access stratum (NAS) security mode control procedure. The UE also activates and uses the Kamf.”).
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify Olsson with Deng in order to a registration method.
Regarding claim 17, Olsson in view of Deng teaches the method of claim 16.
In the obvious combination, Deng further teaches in response to receiving the second registration request message: determining, by the access network element according to the UE identifier, the target core network element; and
forwarding, by the access network element, the second registration request message to the target core network element (see at least ¶ [0004]; “During initial registration of the UE, the UE first initiates registration request that carries a subscription concealed identifier (SUCI). The registration request information carries only cleartext information element(s) (IE). After receiving the registration request that carries the SUCI, an initial AMF initiates primary authentication to generate an AMF key Kamf and a corresponding key set identifier ngKSI. The initial AMF activates and starts to use the Kamf generated during the primary authentication by using a non-access stratum (NAS) security mode control procedure. The UE also activates and uses the Kamf.”).
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify Olsson with Deng in order to a registration method.
9. Claim(s) 24, 27, 30, 31, and 36 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Deng in view of Olsson.
Regarding claim 24, Deng teaches a method for performing re-allocation of a UE from an initial core network element to a target core network element in a communication network, performed by the target core network element (see at least ¶ [0435]; “An initial AMF determines to initiate AMF reallocation. The initial AMF requests the target AMF,” wherein the “AMF reallocation” is the re-allocation of a UE from an initial core network element to a target core network element, wherein the “target AMF” is the target core network element in a communication network ), the method comprising:
receiving, from a first network element, a first message requesting a UE identifier for the UE (see at least ¶ [0437]; “The initial AMF requests the target AMF to assign a new 5G-GUTI to UE,” wherein the “initial AMF” is the first network element and wherein the “new 5G-GUTI to UE” is the UE identifier for the UE ), … ;
generating the UE identifier for the UE (see at least ¶ [0439]; “the target AMF assigns the new 5G-GUTI to the UE”); and
transmitting, to the first network element, a second message as a response to the first message, the second message comprising the UE identifier assigned by the target core network element, wherein the UE identifier comprises a 5G Global Unique Temporary Identifier (5G- GUTI) (see at least ¶ [0439]; “The target AMF sends a message that carries the new 5G-GUTI to the initial AMF.” ).
In the same field of endeavor, Olsson teaches wherein the first network element comprises at least one of: a Network Repository Function (NRF), a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), or an Authentication Server Function (AUSF) (see at least ¶ [0056]; an Authentication Server Function (AUSF), a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), a Network Exposure Function (NEF), a Network Function (NF) Repository Function (NRF)).
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify the request taught by Olsson with the request taught by Ito in order to prevent a reduction in security level.
Regarding claim 27, Deng in view of Olsson teaches the method of claim 24.
In addition, Deng teaches wherein: the first network element transmits the first message based on the target core network element carried in a third message received from the initial core network element; the third message is triggered by a first registration request initiated from the UE; and the second message triggers the first network element to transmit a fourth message comprising the UE identifier to the initial core network element (see at least ¶ [0004]; “During initial registration of the UE, the UE first initiates registration request that carries a subscription concealed identifier (SUCI). The registration request information carries only cleartext information element(s) (IE). After receiving the registration request that carries the SUCI, an initial AMF initiates primary authentication to generate an AMF key Kamf and a corresponding key set identifier ngKSI. The initial AMF activates and starts to use the Kamf generated during the primary authentication by using a non-access stratum (NAS) security mode control procedure. The UE also activates and uses the Kamf.”).
Regarding claim 30, Deng in view of Olsson teaches the method of claim 27.
In addition, Deng teaches wherein: the fourth message triggers the initial core network element to transmit a fifth message comprising the UE identifier to the UE; and the fifth message triggers the UE to start a subsequent registration with the target core network element based on the UE identifier (see at least ¶ [0004]; “During initial registration of the UE, the UE first initiates registration request that carries a subscription concealed identifier (SUCI). The registration request information carries only cleartext information element(s) (IE). After receiving the registration request that carries the SUCI, an initial AMF initiates primary authentication to generate an AMF key Kamf and a corresponding key set identifier ngKSI. The initial AMF activates and starts to use the Kamf generated during the primary authentication by using a non-access stratum (NAS) security mode control procedure. The UE also activates and uses the Kamf.”).
Regarding claim 31, Deng in view of Olsson teaches the method of claim 24.
In addition, Deng teaches further comprising: starting a timer associated with the UE identifier; and in response to no registration request from the UE being received after the time expires, releasing the UE identifier (see at least ¶ [0004]; “During initial registration of the UE, the UE first initiates registration request that carries a subscription concealed identifier (SUCI). The registration request information carries only cleartext information element(s) (IE). After receiving the registration request that carries the SUCI, an initial AMF initiates primary authentication to generate an AMF key Kamf and a corresponding key set identifier ngKSI. The initial AMF activates and starts to use the Kamf generated during the primary authentication by using a non-access stratum (NAS) security mode control procedure. The UE also activates and uses the Kamf.”).
Regarding claim 36, Deng in view of Olsson teaches a device comprising a memory for storing computer instructions and a processor in communication with the memory, wherein, when the processor executes the computer instructions, the processor is configured to implement a method of claim 24 (see rejection of claim 24 above).
Conclusion
10. 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.
11. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to NATASHA W COSME whose telephone number is (571)270-7225. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 7:30-4. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Ayman Abaza can be reached at 571-270-0422. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/NATASHA W COSME/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2465
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