Prosecution Insights
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Application No. 18/614,675

COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS

Non-Final OA §103§112
Filed
Mar 24, 2024
Examiner
BARNETT, JACK KENSINGTON
Art Unit
2111
Tech Center
2100 — Computer Architecture & Software
Assignee
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
OA Round
3 (Non-Final)
87%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
2y 0m
To Grant
88%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 87% — above average
87%
Career Allow Rate
13 granted / 15 resolved
+31.7% vs TC avg
Minimal +2% lift
Without
With
+1.8%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Fast prosecutor
2y 0m
Avg Prosecution
19 currently pending
Career history
34
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
11.2%
-28.8% vs TC avg
§103
53.4%
+13.4% vs TC avg
§102
22.8%
-17.2% vs TC avg
§112
10.2%
-29.8% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 15 resolved cases

Office Action

§103 §112
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 . Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114 A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 12/9/2026 has been entered. Response to Arguments Applicant’s arguments, see pg 6-7, filed 12/09/2025, with respect to the rejection(s) of claim(s) 1-20 under 102a1 and 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 Therefore, the rejection has been withdrawn.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 over Ming (WO 2021139751) in view of Guha (WO 2021181343). Applicant’s arguments, see pg 7, filed 12/09/2025, with respect to the rejection(s) of claim(s) 1-20 under 101 have been fully considered and are persuasive. Therefore, the rejection has been withdrawn. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 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 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. The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office action. Claims 1, 4-7, 10-15, 17, and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ming (WO 2021139751) in view of Guha (WO 2021181343). Regarding claim 1, Ming teaches: A communication method, comprising: determining a generator matrix, wherein: (para. 129: It can be learned from the foregoing content that the N coding sub-blocks are determined based on the original data block P and the coding matrix M. Therefore, during specific implementation, the target layer of the first communication device may first generate the first data block P and the coding matrix M according to the network coding parameter, and then generate the N coding sub-blocks of the first data block by using the first data block P and the coding matrix M.) at least some parameters in the generator matrix are determined based on a random seed, (para. 175: The pseudo-random code seed may be used to generate N column vectors. In this way, the first communication device may generate the coding matrix M based on the generated N column vectors.) … performing, by the first device, channel encoding on first data based on the generator matrix to obtain second data; (para. 129: It can be learned from the foregoing content that the N coding sub-blocks are determined based on the original data block P and the coding matrix M.) and sending, by the first device, the second data to the second device. (para. 12: Sending the N coding sub-blocks to a second communication device, where N is a positive integer.) However, Ming does not explicitly teach wherein: the random seed is determined based on one or more of the following: the parameter of the first device or the parameter of the second device; ( or the generator matrix is determined based on one or more of the following: the parameter of the first device or the parameter of the second device; wherein the parameter of the first device and the parameter of the second device are respectively intrinsic to the first and second device. In the analogous art of digital communication and pseudorandom seed generation, Guha teaches: the random seed is determined based on one or more of the following: the parameter of the first device or the parameter of the second device; (para. 31 and fig. 3: Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of generation of a random value by a system. The device 102a receives the application type selection and input data from a user. The coding module 104 receives random seeds 1 through 6, each from a different device, to generate a combined random seed. The combined random seed is used to generate a random number X, which the coding module provides to device 102a.) Based on fig. 3, it is clear that device 102a provides partial seed 6. or the generator matrix is determined based on one or more of the following: the parameter of the first device or the parameter of the second device; wherein the parameter of the first device and the parameter of the second device are respectively intrinsic to the first and second device. (para. 18: a partial seed may be generated using one or more parameters… the parameters can include, but is not limited to, the following: 1. ISA (Instruction Set Architecture) of the underlying device hardware (e.g. processor type). 2. Type of operating system running on the device (e.g. iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, etc.)…) It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, having the teachings of Ming and Guha before them before the effective filing date of the instant application to incorporate the pseudorandom seed generation taught by Guha into the system for encoding and transmitting data taught by Ming, to allow for benefits such as reliable, high-grade random number generation and protection against cyber-attacks (Guha, para. 15). Regarding claim 4, Ming and Guha teaches the method according to claim 1. Ming further teaches: wherein at least some parameters in the generator matrix are determined based on the random seed, and the following relationship exists between the random seed and the parameter of the first device, a channel encoding parameter, and the parameter of the second device: seed=G[… pseudo-random seed ,f3(z)], wherein seed is the random seed, … z is the channel encoding parameter, G is a first function, … and f3 is a fourth function, and G varies with… f3 [and the pseudo-random seed]. (para. 154: That is, the pseudo-random code seed determines the column vector information corresponding to the coding sub-block based on the distribution of the degree of freedom d. And para. 132: The network coding parameter includes… a third parameter. And para. 137: the third parameter is used to determine a degree of freedom distribution.) The column vector information is mapped to the random seed of the claims. This is because the column vector information is random (determined based on a pseudo-random seed) and further is a seed (is used to determine the generator matrix). However, Ming does not explicitly disclose wherein: [a random seed =]… f1(x), f2(y)… x is the parameter of the first device, y is the parameter of the second device… f1 is a second function, f2 is a third function, … and G varies with each of f1, f2… Guha teaches: [a random seed =]… f1(x), f2(y)… x is the parameter of the first device, y is the parameter of the second device… f1 is a second function, f2 is a third function, … and G varies with each of f1, f2… (para. 31 and fig. 3: Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of generation of a random value by a system. The device 102a receives the application type selection and input data from a user. The coding module 104 receives random seeds 1 through 6, each from a different device, to generate a combined random seed. The combined random seed is used to generate a random number X, which the coding module provides to device 102a. And see para. 18: a partial seed may be generated using one or more parameters… the parameters can include, but is not limited to, the following: 1. ISA (Instruction Set Architecture) of the underlying device hardware (e.g. processor type). 2. Type of operating system running on the device (e.g. iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, etc.)… And see para. 25: A raw partial seed may be generated using one or more entropy sources available to the device 102. The raw partial seed may be modulated by one or more operator functions to generate the partial seed.) Ming teaches: a random seed (column vector information) is based on an initial random seed and a channel encoding parameter (third parameter, used to determine a degree of freedom distribution). Guha teaches: a random seed (the initial random seed of Ming) is generated based on a function applied to a parameter of first and second devices. Therefore the combination teaches generating column vector information (a random seed) based on a degree of freedom distribution (third channel encoding parameter), an intrinsic parameter of the first device, and an intrinsic parameter of the second device. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, having the teachings of Ming and Guha before them before the effective filing date of the instant application to incorporate the pseudorandom seed generation taught by Guha into the system for encoding and transmitting data taught by Ming, to allow for benefits such as reliable, high-grade random number generation and protection against cyber-attacks (Guha, para. 15). Regarding claim 5, Ming and Guha teaches the method according to claim 1. Ming further teaches: wherein the at least some parameters are determined by processing the random seed according to one or more of the following algorithms: a square number algorithm or a chaos algorithm (para. 159: During specific implementation, the first pseudo-random code seed may generate N values, and each value represents a value of a degree of freedom of a column vector; the second pseudo-random code seed may generate N groups of values, each group of values includes V values, the value of V is equal to the number of elements with a value of 1 in the column vector, and each of the V values represents a number of an element with a value of 1 in the column vector.) Regarding claim 6, Ming and Guha teaches the method according to claim 1. Ming further teaches: wherein the generator matrix is a K*N matrix, K and N are positive integers, K is less than N, (para. 167: Generator matrix is K*N, where K is less than N.) and a quantity of the at least some parameters is any one of the following: K*(N–K), K*N, (para. 159: During specific implementation, the first pseudo-random code seed may generate N values, and each value represents a value of a degree of freedom of a column vector; the second pseudo-random code seed may generate N groups of values, each group of values includes V values, the value of V is equal to the number of elements with a value of 1 in the column vector, and each of the V values represents a number of an element with a value of 1 in the column vector.) All values in the generator matrix are determined based on the random seed, all values are considered to be parameters, as they can freely be assigned values (in accordance with the random seed). or N–K+1. Regarding claim 7, Ming and Guha teaches the method according to claim 6. Ming further teaches: wherein the quantity of the at least some parameters is K*N, (para. 159: During specific implementation, the first pseudo-random code seed may generate N values, and each value represents a value of a degree of freedom of a column vector; the second pseudo-random code seed may generate N groups of values, each group of values includes V values, the value of V is equal to the number of elements with a value of 1 in the column vector, and each of the V values represents a number of an element with a value of 1 in the column vector.) All values in the generator matrix are determined based on the random seed, all values are considered to be parameters, as they can freely be assigned values (in accordance with the random seed). and any two rows in the generator matrix are different. (para. 167: Generator matrix has at least two rows that are different.) Regarding claim 10, Ming and Guha teaches the method according to claim 1. Guha teaches: The parameter of the first device comprises one or more of the following: An identifier of the first device (para. 31 and fig. 3: Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of generation of a random value by a system. The device 102a receives the application type selection and input data from a user. The coding module 104 receives random seeds 1 through 6, each from a different device, to generate a combined random seed. The combined random seed is used to generate a random number X, which the coding module provides to device 102a. And see para. 18: a partial seed may be generated using one or more parameters… the parameters can include, but is not limited to, the following: 1. ISA (Instruction Set Architecture) of the underlying device hardware (e.g. processor type). 2. Type of operating system running on the device (e.g. iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, etc.)) Specific information about the device (type of OS and hardware) is considered to be a device identifier. or an address of the first device Regarding claim 11, Ming and Guha teaches the method according to claim 1. Guha teaches: The parameter of the second device comprises one or more of the following: An identifier of the second device (para. 31 and fig. 3: Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of generation of a random value by a system. The device 102a receives the application type selection and input data from a user. The coding module 104 receives random seeds 1 through 6, each from a different device, to generate a combined random seed. The combined random seed is used to generate a random number X, which the coding module provides to device 102a. And see para. 18: a partial seed may be generated using one or more parameters… the parameters can include, but is not limited to, the following: 1. ISA (Instruction Set Architecture) of the underlying device hardware (e.g. processor type). 2. Type of operating system running on the device (e.g. iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, etc.)) Specific information about the device (type of OS and hardware) is considered to be a device identifier. or an address of the second device Regarding claim 12, Ming and Guha teaches the method according to claim 4. Ming further teaches: wherein the channel encoding parameter comprises one or more of the following items for channel encoding: a length of the first data, an encoding length, (para. 132: The network coding parameter includes at least one of the following: … a second parameter. And para. 136: The second parameter is used to determine a value of N. And para. 129: The N coding sub-blocks are determined based on the original data block P and the coding matrix M. And para. 159: the first pseudo-random code seed may generate N values, and each value represents a value of a degree of freedom of a column vector.) or an encoding rate. Regarding claim 13, Ming and Guha teaches the method according to claim 12. Ming further teaches: wherein the encoding length is greater than or equal to 16 bits, or the encoding length is less than or equal to 128 bits. (para. 129: The N coding sub-blocks are determined based on the original data block P and the coding matrix M.) While Ming does not disclose an explicit value of an encoding length, N is an encoding length. Any encoding length teaches the limitations of claim 13. Regarding claim 14, Ming and Guha teaches the method according to claim 12. Ming further teaches: wherein the encoding rate is greater than or equal 1/5, or the encoding rate is less than or equal to 4/5. (para. 167: Shows the matrix multiplication to encode the data.) While Ming does not disclose an explicit value of an encoding rate, there must be an encoding rate associated with this operation. Any encoding rate teaches the limitations of claim 14. Regarding claim 15, Ming teaches: A communication method, comprising: determining a generator matrix, wherein: (para. 129: It can be learned from the foregoing content that the N coding sub-blocks are determined based on the original data block P and the coding matrix M. Therefore, during specific implementation, the target layer of the first communication device may first generate the first data block P and the coding matrix M according to the network coding parameter, and then generate the N coding sub-blocks of the first data block by using the first data block P and the coding matrix M.) at least some parameters in the generator matrix are determined based on a random seed, (para. 175: The pseudo-random code seed may be used to generate N column vectors. In this way, the first communication device may generate the coding matrix M based on the generated N column vectors.) … Receiving, by a second device, second data from the first device (para. 12: Sending the N coding sub-blocks to a second communication device, where N is a positive integer.) and decoding, by the second device, the second data based on the generator matrix to obtain first data. (claim 18: A data processing method is applied to a second communication device, and the method includes: in a case that M coding sub-blocks corresponding to a first data block are received, obtaining M column vectors corresponding to the M coding sub-blocks, where each column vector includes K elements, K is a number of segmentation parts of the first data block, and M is a positive integer less than or equal to a number N of coding sub-blocks generated based on the first data block; generating a first matrix, where the first matrix includes the M column vectors; and restoring the first data block according to the first matrix and the M coding sub-blocks in a case that the first matrix is a row full rank matrix.) However, Ming does not explicitly teach wherein: the random seed is determined based on one or more of the following: the parameter of the first device or the parameter of the second device; ( or the generator matrix is determined based on one or more of the following: the parameter of the first device or the parameter of the second device; wherein the parameter of the first device and the parameter of the second device are respectively intrinsic to the first and second device. In the analogous art of digital communication and pseudorandom seed generation, Guha teaches: the random seed is determined based on one or more of the following: the parameter of the first device or the parameter of the second device; (para. 31 and fig. 3: Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of generation of a random value by a system. The device 102a receives the application type selection and input data from a user. The coding module 104 receives random seeds 1 through 6, each from a different device, to generate a combined random seed. The combined random seed is used to generate a random number X, which the coding module provides to device 102a.) Based on fig. 3, it is clear that device 102a provides partial seed 6. or the generator matrix is determined based on one or more of the following: the parameter of the first device or the parameter of the second device; wherein the parameter of the first device and the parameter of the second device are respectively intrinsic to the first and second device. (para. 18: a partial seed may be generated using one or more parameters… the parameters can include, but is not limited to, the following: 1. ISA (Instruction Set Architecture) of the underlying device hardware (e.g. processor type). 2. Type of operating system running on the device (e.g. iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, etc.)…) It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, having the teachings of Ming and Guha before them before the effective filing date of the instant application to incorporate the pseudorandom seed generation taught by Guha into the system for encoding and transmitting data taught by Ming, to allow for benefits such as reliable, high-grade random number generation and protection against cyber-attacks (Guha, para. 15). Claims 17 and 20 correspond to claims 1 and 4 (respectively), and are rejected accordingly. Claims 2, 16, and 18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ming in view of Guha and Matsumoto (US 20100211846). Regarding claim 2, the combination of Ming and Guha teaches the method according to claim 1. However, the combination of Ming and Guha does not explicitly disclose wherein: before the performing, by the first device, channel encoding on first data based on the generator matrix to obtain second data, the method further comprises: receiving, by the first device, configuration information from a third device, wherein the configuration information comprises one or more of the following: the generator matrix, the parameter of the first device, or the parameter of the second device. In the analogous art of digital communications, Matsumoto teaches: before the performing, by the first device, channel encoding on first data based on the generator matrix to obtain second data, the method further comprises: receiving, by the first device, configuration information from a third device, wherein the configuration information comprises one or more of the following: the generator matrix, (fig. 2, check matrix generating device 30 provides parity check matrix Hm to codeword generating unit 35, so that the message may be encoded.) the parameter of the first device, or the parameter of the second device. It would have been obvious, to one of ordinary skill in the art, having the teachings of Ming, Guha, and Matsumoto before them before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to incorporate a separate device for generating a generator matrix that provides the generator matrix to the device for encoding and transmission of data (Matsumoto) into the method of encoding taught by Ming and Guha, to allow for benefits such as: being able to easily generate a encoding matrix having good performance and regularity (Matsumoto, para. 32). Regarding claim 16, the combination of Ming and Guha teaches the method according to claim 15. However, the combination of Ming and Guha does not explicitly disclose wherein: before the decoding, receiving, by the second device, configuration information from the third device, wherein the configuration information comprises one or more of the following: the generator matrix, the parameter of the first device, or the parameter of the second device. In the analogous art of digital communications, Matsumoto teaches: before the decoding, receiving, by the second device, configuration information from the third device, wherein the configuration information comprises one or more of the following: the generator matrix, (fig. 3, check matrix generating device 30 provides parity check matrix Hm to message decoding unit 41, so that the message may be decoded.) the parameter of the first device, or the parameter of the second device. It would have been obvious, to one of ordinary skill in the art, having the teachings of Ming, Guha, and Matsumoto before them before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to incorporate a separate device for generating a generator matrix that provides the generator matrix to the device for encoding and transmission of data (Matsumoto) into the method of encoding taught by Ming and Guha, to allow for benefits such as: being able to easily generate a encoding matrix having good performance and regularity (Matsumoto, para. 32). Claim 18 corresponds to claim 2, and is rejected accordingly. Claims 3, 8, and 19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ming in view of Machireddy (“Guessing the Code: Learning Encoding Mappings Using the Back Propagation Algorithm”). Regarding claim 3, Ming and Guha teaches the method according to claim 1. Ming further teaches: Wherein the at least some parameters in the generator matrix are determined based on the random seed. (para. 175: The pseudo-random code seed may be used to generate N column vectors. In this way, the first communication device may generate the coding matrix M based on the generated N column vectors.) However, Ming does not explicitly teach: Wherein the at least some parameters in the generator matrix are determined based on… a neural network. In the analogous art of encoding data, Machireddy teaches: Wherein the at least some parameters in the generator matrix are determined based on… a neural network. (pg. 7, left hand col., section C: The goal of this experiment is to form the parity check equations and in turn the generator matrix and parity check matrix based on the outputs of the [neural] network.) It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, having the teachings of Ming, Guha, and Machireddy before them, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to incorporate the neural network taught by Machireddy into the communication method taught by Ming and Guha, to allow for benefits such as covert communication (Machireddy, Abstract). Regarding claim 8, Ming and Guha teaches the method according to claim 6. However, Ming does not explicitly disclose wherein: The quantity of the at least some parameters is K*(N–K), K2 parameters in the K*N parameters of the generator matrix other than the at least some parameters form an identity matrix, and any two rows in the generator matrix are different. Machireddy teaches: The quantity of the at least some parameters is K*(N–K), K2 parameters in the K*N parameters of the generator matrix other than the at least some parameters form an identity matrix, and any two rows in the generator matrix are different. (pg. 2, equations 5, 7, and 8. Equation 8 describes a generator matrix in systematic form. The rightmost 4 rows are an identity matrix, and so the leftmost 3 rows are the (12) free parameters. K=4, N=7, so K*(N-K) = 4(7-4) = 12. The K^2 (=16) cells in the rightmost 4 rows form an identity matrix. At least two rows in the generator matrix are different.) It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, having the teachings of Ming, Guha, and Machireddy before them, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to incorporate the neural network using a generator matrix in systematic form taught by Machireddy into the communication method taught by Ming and Guha, to allow for benefits such as covert communication (Machireddy, Abstract). Claim 19 corresponds to claim 3, and is rejected accordingly. Claim 9 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ming in view of Yamada (“Essentials of Error-Control Coding Techniques”, Chapter 3: Block Codes). Regarding claim 9, Ming and Guha teaches the method according to claim 6. However, Ming does not explicitly teach wherein: the quantity of the at least some parameters is N–K+1, each row in the generator matrix comprises the at least some parameters, and any two rows in the generator matrix are different. In the analogous art of encoding data, Yamada teaches: the quantity of the at least some parameters is N–K+1, each row in the generator matrix comprises the at least some parameters, and any two rows in the generator matrix are different. (Generator matrix 3.8 and pseudocyclic code generator matrix rule 3.5: Generator matrix 3.5 can be rewritten according to rule 3.5 as [[g0, g1, 0], [0, g0, g1]]. Here, K=2, N=3, and there are 2 parameters: g0, and g1. N-K+1=3-2+1=2. The two rows are different.) It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, having the teachings of Ming, Guha, and Yamada before them, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to incorporate using a pseudocyclic code (and corresponding generator matrix) taught by Yamada into the communication method taught by Ming and Guha, to allow for benefits such as easy implementation (Yamada, Section 3.1). Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112 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. Claim 16 is 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. Claim 16 recites the limitation “the third device” in lines 3-4. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Claims 2 and 16 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being incomplete for omitting essential steps, such omission amounting to a gap between the steps. See MPEP § 2172.01. Based on the amended limitation to claims 1 and 15: “the parameter of the first device and the parameter of the second device are respectively intrinsic to the first and second device,” it is unclear how exactly the third device has access to these parameters. Further, the Examiner is unsure why the third device would transmit an intrinsic parameter of the first device to the first device, as in claim 2, or why the third device would transmit an intrinsic parameter of the second device to the second device. Claim Objections Claim 16 objected to because of the following informalities: claim 16, line 2-3 repeats the limitation from claim 15, lines 11-12: “decoding, by the second device, the second data based on a generator matrix to obtain first data”. Appropriate correction is required. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JACK K BARNETT whose telephone number is (571)270-0431. The examiner can normally be reached M-Th 8-5, F 8-4 EST. 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, Mark Featherstone can be reached at 571-270-3750. 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. /JACK KENSINGTON BARNETT/Examiner, Art Unit 2111 /MARK D FEATHERSTONE/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2111
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Mar 24, 2024
Application Filed
Jun 09, 2025
Non-Final Rejection — §103, §112
Sep 03, 2025
Response Filed
Oct 08, 2025
Final Rejection — §103, §112
Dec 09, 2025
Response after Non-Final Action
Dec 17, 2025
Applicant Interview (Telephonic)
Dec 17, 2025
Examiner Interview Summary
Jan 12, 2026
Request for Continued Examination
Jan 24, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action
Feb 18, 2026
Non-Final Rejection — §103, §112 (current)

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

Patent 12597948
Data Validation and Correction using Hybrid Parity and Error Correcting Codes
2y 5m to grant Granted Apr 07, 2026
Patent 12596150
X-Masking for In-System Deterministic Test
2y 5m to grant Granted Apr 07, 2026
Patent 12579028
MEMORY SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD
2y 5m to grant Granted Mar 17, 2026
Patent 12567476
MULTIPLE TEST MODES FOR A MEMORY IN AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT
2y 5m to grant Granted Mar 03, 2026
Patent 12553944
BUILT-IN SELF TEST CIRCUIT FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE OF CLOCK DATA RECOVERY AND SYSTEM-ON-CHIP INCLUDING THE SAME
2y 5m to grant Granted Feb 17, 2026
Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

AI Strategy Recommendation

Get an AI-powered prosecution strategy using examiner precedents, rejection analysis, and claim mapping.
Powered by AI — typically takes 5-10 seconds

Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
87%
Grant Probability
88%
With Interview (+1.8%)
2y 0m
Median Time to Grant
High
PTA Risk
Based on 15 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allow rate.

Sign in with your work email

Enter your email to receive a magic link. No password needed.

Personal email addresses (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) are not accepted.

Free tier: 3 strategy analyses per month