DETAILED ACTION
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112(b)
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Regarding claims 1, 19, and 20: the scope of the phrase “semi-static configuration” is unclear. In particular, it is not clear how to determine if a given configuration is “semi-static” or “dynamic” except in relation to another configuration. That is, as described in [0022]-[0025] of the specification, “semi-static configuration parameters do not change often” – paragraph [0022]. Examples are provided of how configurations that do not change “often”. Paragraph [0025] contrasts these semi-static configuration parameters with “dynamic configuration parameters” that “may change often”. The claim language should be amended to better define semi-static configurations such that one of ordinary skill in the art can determine whether a given configuration parameter falls under the scope of semi-static or dynamic configuration parameters.
Claims 2-18 depend from claim 1 and are therefore similarly indefinite for reasons similar to those stated above.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1, 2, 9, and 12-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Jiang et al (US 2020/0092818).
Regarding claim 1: Jiang discloses an apparatus, comprising:
a modem clock (disclosed throughout; see [0075], for example, which discloses changing a clock frequency and thus requires a clock for the UE, which includes a modem (see elements 354, 356, 358, and 368 of Figure 3, for example)); and
one or more processors, coupled to the modem clock, configured to (disclosed throughout; see controller/processor 359, for example):
receive a semi-static configuration of one or more first parameters (disclosed throughout; see the set of operating modes and CSI process configuration in step 524 of Figure 5; as disclosed throughout, the CSI process configuration may include at least a spectrum efficient mode and a power efficient mode; in one example, the UE is first configured with the spectrum efficient mode; as indicated in [0086]-[0087], the UE may be configured to operate in a spectrum efficient mode – “the base station may not allow the UE to operate in the power efficient mode and the indication from the base station (at 610) may indicate that the UE should operate in the spectrum efficient mode for operation…the indication may be provided to the UE, e.g., semi-statically through RRC signaling”); and
while the apparatus is configured according to the semi-static configuration:
operate the modem clock at a first frequency (disclosed throughout; as indicated in [0075], for example, the UE may change its clock frequency; clearly, the clock frequency is operating at a first frequency before the change); and
operate the modem clock at a second frequency (disclosed throughout; as indicated in Figure 5 and [0074]-[0075], when a dynamic DCI, for example, indicating that the UE transition to a power efficient mode (from a spectrum efficient mode), the UE first adjusts parameters (see 518 of Figure 5) and then later switches to power efficient mode (see 520 of Figure 5); the adjusted parameters include a clock frequency (changing to a second frequency); thus, the clock is changed to a second frequency when operating according to the semi-static configuration (the spectrum efficient mode) before switching to the dynamically configured power efficient mode).
Regarding claim 19: Jiang discloses a method for wireless communications by an apparatus comprising:
receiving a semi-static configuration of one or more first parameters (disclosed throughout; see the set of operating modes and CSI process configuration in step 524 of Figure 5; as disclosed throughout, the CSI process configuration may include at least a spectrum efficient mode and a power efficient mode; in one example, the UE is first configured with the spectrum efficient mode; as indicated in [0086]-[0087], the UE may be configured to operate in a spectrum efficient mode – “the base station may not allow the UE to operate in the power efficient mode and the indication from the base station (at 610) may indicate that the UE should operate in the spectrum efficient mode for operation…the indication may be provided to the UE, e.g., semi-statically through RRC signaling”); and
while the apparatus is configured according to the semi-static configuration:
operating a modem clock of the apparatus at a first frequency (disclosed throughout; as indicated in [0075], for example, the UE may change its clock frequency; clearly, the clock frequency is operating at a first frequency before the change); and
operating the modem clock at a second frequency (disclosed throughout; as indicated in Figure 5 and [0074]-[0075], when a dynamic DCI, for example, indicating that the UE transition to a power efficient mode (from a spectrum efficient mode), the UE first adjusts parameters (see 518 of Figure 5) and then later switches to power efficient mode (see 520 of Figure 5); the adjusted parameters include a clock frequency (changing to a second frequency); thus, the clock is changed to a second frequency when operating according to the semi-static configuration (the spectrum efficient mode) before switching to the dynamically configured power efficient mode).
Regarding claim 20: Jiang discloses a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions, which when executed by one or more processors of an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform operations comprising (disclosed throughout; see memory 360 and controller/processor 369 of Figure 3 as well as [0047], for example):
receiving a semi-static configuration of one or more first parameters (disclosed throughout; see the set of operating modes and CSI process configuration in step 524 of Figure 5; as disclosed throughout, the CSI process configuration may include at least a spectrum efficient mode and a power efficient mode; in one example, the UE is first configured with the spectrum efficient mode; as indicated in [0086]-[0087], the UE may be configured to operate in a spectrum efficient mode – “the base station may not allow the UE to operate in the power efficient mode and the indication from the base station (at 610) may indicate that the UE should operate in the spectrum efficient mode for operation…the indication may be provided to the UE, e.g., semi-statically through RRC signaling”); and
while the apparatus is configured according to the semi-static configuration:
operating a modem clock of the apparatus at a first frequency (disclosed throughout; as indicated in [0075], for example, the UE may change its clock frequency; clearly, the clock frequency is operating at a first frequency before the change); and
operating the modem clock at a second frequency (disclosed throughout; as indicated in Figure 5 and [0074]-[0075], when a dynamic DCI, for example, indicating that the UE transition to a power efficient mode (from a spectrum efficient mode), the UE first adjusts parameters (see 518 of Figure 5) and then later switches to power efficient mode (see 520 of Figure 5); the adjusted parameters include a clock frequency (changing to a second frequency); thus, the clock is changed to a second frequency when operating according to the semi-static configuration (the spectrum efficient mode) before switching to the dynamically configured power efficient mode).
Regarding claim 2: Jiang discloses the limitations that the one or more first parameters comprise one or more of: an envelope mode, a number of active component carriers, a subcarrier spacing configuration per carrier (disclosed throughout; as indicated in [0037]-[0038], for example, the configuration further includes subcarrier spacing parameters that are semi-statically configured), a control channel configuration per carrier (see [0071], for example, which discloses that the configuration includes a number of blind decoding attempts of the PDCCH the UE can perform), an aggregate bandwidth per carrier (disclosed throughout; see [0071] and [0078], for example which disclose the number of RBs associated with each configuration), a demodulation reference signal configuration per carrier (disclosed throughout; as indicated in [0037] and [0040], for example, the configuration further includes DM-RS parameters that are semi-statically configured), or a channel state feedback configuration per carrier (disclosed throughout; see the spectrum efficient CSI and power efficient CSI configured for each mode described in [0078], for example).
Regarding claim 9: Jiang discloses the limitations wherein: to operate the modem clock at the second frequency comprises, based on a first criteria, to switch operation of the modem clock from the first frequency to the second frequency for a time period (disclosed throughout; see [0072] and [0083], for example; the UE may switch the modem clock frequency from a first frequency to a second frequency to provide “power efficient CSI” to the network); and the first criteria comprises the apparatus being scheduled to receive one or more channel state information (CSI) reference signals (CSI-RSs) in one or more CSI-RS resources during the time period (disclosed throughout; see [0072] and [0083], for example; the UE may switch the modem clock frequency from a first frequency to a second frequency to provide “power efficient CSI” to the network; the configuration by the base station to report the power efficient CSI indicates CSI reference signals to be measured and is the first criteria).
Regarding claim 12: Jiang discloses the limitation of switch operation of the modem clock from the second frequency to the first frequency based on transmission of a channel state feedback report based on the one or more CSI-RSs (disclosed throughout; see [0072] and [0083], which indicate that the switch of the clock frequency is temporary and after reporting the CSI, the frequency is switched back (“the UE 404 may temporarily adjust one or more parameters to be in power efficient mode, determine the CSI while being in the power efficient mode, and report the determined CSI (referred to as the power efficient CSI) to the base station”).
Regarding claim 13: Jiang discloses the limitations that to operate the modem clock at the first frequency comprises to operate the modem clock at the first frequency for a time period (disclosed throughout; as indicated in [0070], for example, the spectrum efficient and power efficient modes (corresponding to the first and second clock frequencies) are set for an amount of time based on conditions); and the first frequency is based on a predicted configuration of one or more second parameters associated with the time period, the one or more second parameters being different than the one or more first parameters (disclosed throughout; as indicated in [0070], for example, the predicted configuration of one or more parameter associated with the time frame are different from the first parameters; for example, the amount of data intended for the UE is a prediction of the load on the UE).
Regarding claim 14: Jiang discloses the limitations that the one or more processors are configured to predict the predicted configuration of the one or more second parameters based on one or more of: a network load; an uplink buffer status of the apparatus; a time division duplexing configuration of the apparatus; a frequency division duplex configuration of the apparatus; channel conditions between the apparatus and a network entity; or a multi-user multiple-input and multiple-output (MU-MIMO) mode of operation during the time period (disclosed throughout; see [0070], for example, which indicates that the predicted second parameters include at least network loading).
Regarding claim 15: Jiang discloses the limitations that the one or more second parameters comprise one or more of: whether the time period is configured for uplink or downlink communications; a rank used for communication during the time period; a modulation and coding scheme used for communication during the time period; or a number of resource blocks scheduled for the apparatus for communication during the time period (disclosed throughout; see at least the maximum rank and MCS disclosed in [0071]).
Regarding claim 16: Jiang discloses the limitations that the one or more processors are configured to receive signaling indicating a power level mode from a network entity; and the first frequency is based on the power level mode (disclosed throughout; see Figure 5 and [0074]-[0075], for example, which disclose that the UE may receive an indication of a power level mode (either a spectrum efficient mode or a power efficient mode from a network entity such as the base station; the clock frequency is adjusted based on the power level mode).
Regarding claim 17: Jiang discloses the limitations that the one or more processors are configured to: send, to the network entity, a maximum capability for one or more parameters for each of a plurality of power level modes including the power level mode (disclosed throughout; see [0070], for example, which discloses that the UE informs the base station of the UE capability in regard to the various modes/configurations regarding power efficient and spectrum efficient modes).
Regarding claim 18: Jiang discloses the limitations that the signaling further indicates: a time period to operate according to the power level mode; and a second power level mode to operate according to after the time period (disclosed throughout; see [0072] and [0083], which indicate that the switch of the clock frequency is temporary (for a period of time) and after reporting the CSI, the frequency is switched back to the first frequency (“the UE 404 may temporarily adjust one or more parameters to be in power efficient mode, determine the CSI while being in the power efficient mode, and report the determined CSI (referred to as the power efficient CSI) to the base station”).
Allowable Subject Matter
Claim 3-8, 10, and 11 would be allowable if rewritten to overcome the rejection(s) under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), 2nd paragraph, set forth in this Office action and to include all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Xuan et al (US 2021/0050932) discloses a method for adjusting a neural network based wireless modem.
Homchaudhuri et al (US 2014/0301262) discloses a method for in-subframe adaptive adjusting of resources that also adjust the clock frequency.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Robert C Scheibel whose telephone number is (571)272-3169. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
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, Hassan A Phillips can be reached at 571-272-3940. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
Robert C. Scheibel
Primary Examiner
Art Unit 2467
/Robert C Scheibel/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2467 April 23, 2026
Prosecution Insights