Prosecution Insights
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Application No. 18/643,319

MULTIPLEXING OF SUB-SLOT BASED HYBRID AUTOMATIC REPEAT REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND SLOT BASED CHANNEL STATE INFORMATION

Non-Final OA §102§103
Filed
Apr 23, 2024
Priority
Sep 14, 2020 — provisional 63/077,939 +1 more
Examiner
JAHANGIR, KABIR U
Art Unit
2464
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Qualcomm Incorporated
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
88%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
3m
Est. Remaining
96%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 88% — above average
88%
Career Allowance Rate
395 granted / 451 resolved
+29.6% vs TC avg
Moderate +9% lift
Without
With
+8.9%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 4m
Avg Prosecution
15 currently pending
Career history
471
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
1.7%
-38.3% vs TC avg
§103
65.7%
+25.7% vs TC avg
§102
20.0%
-20.0% vs TC avg
§112
4.9%
-35.1% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 451 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §103
DETAILED ACTION Claims 1-20 are pending. 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 . Information Disclosure Statement The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 04/23/2024 was filed. The submission is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner. Specification The lengthy specification has not been checked to the extent necessary to determine the presence of all possible minor errors. Applicant's cooperation is requested in correcting any errors of which applicant may become aware in the specification. 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 1-5, 7-13, and 15-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Rungta et al. (US 20200106564, Rungta hereinafter). As to claim 1: Rungta discloses a user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising: a memory (see at least paragraph [0018], a memory.); and one or more processors (see at least paragraph [0018], a processor.) coupled to the memory, the one or more processors configured to: receive a configuration identifying a first uplink resource for hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) reporting and a second uplink resource for channel state information (CSI) reports (see at least paragraph [0175], UE is configured a first PUCCH resource for HARQ responses 1922 (i.e., an ACK 1 resource), a second PUCCH resource for a first CSI 1924 (i.e., a CSI 1 resource).). receive a downlink communication associated with reporting HARQ-ACK in the first uplink resource (see at least paragraph [0083], a HARQ-ACK is transmitted with respect to a PDSCH transmission.); and transmit, via the second uplink resource, the HARQ-ACK multiplexed with one or more CSI reports based at least in part on a determination that the first uplink resource and the second uplink resource are in a same sub-slot (see at least paragraph [0135] and Fig. 9, the UE multiplexing a HARQ response to a transmission from the BS and the first CSI report in a PUCCH and transmit the PUCCH to the BS via one of the PUCCH resources (one of the resources interpreted as second uplink resource). Furthermore, see at least paragraphs [0123], [0127], when a UE has both a HARQ response and CSI to send in a slot and the individual PUCCH resources for HARQ response and CSI overlap in time (HARQ response and CSI overlap in time interpreted as same slot), in addition, a slot can have sub-slot or mini-slot, (see paragraph [0111]).). As to claim 2: Rungta discloses the UE of claim 1. Rungta further discloses wherein the UE does not expect the HARQ-ACK to be moved to another sub-slot due to multiplexing the HARQ-ACK and the one or more CSI reports (see at least paragraph [0135] and Fig. 9, the UE multiplexing a HARQ response to a transmission from the BS and the first CSI report in a PUCCH. When multiplexing HARQ-ACK will not move to another slot.). As to claim 3: Rungta discloses the UE of claim 1. Rungta further discloses wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: transmit HARQ-ACK information in a sub-slot on an uplink resource configured for HARQ-ACK reporting based at least in part on the HARQ-ACK information being associated with multiplexing with CSI reports in another sub-slot (see at least paragraph [0010], multiplexing the HARQ response and the first CSI report in the PUCCH; and transmitting the PUCCH to the BS via a third PUCCH resource that corresponds to the PUCCH.). As to claim 4: Rungta discloses the UE of claim 1. Rungta further discloses wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: refrain from transmitting HARQ-ACK information based at least in part on the HARQ-ACK information being associated with multiplexing with CSI reports in another sub-slot (see at least paragraph [0011], the PUCCH includes the HARQ response multiplexed with the first CSI report; and demultiplexing (interpreted as not transmitting) the first CSI report and the HARQ response from the PUCCH.). As to claim 5: Rungta discloses the UE of claim 1. Rungta further discloses wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: determine that the HARQ-ACK is to be multiplexed with one or more CSI reports on the second uplink resource (see at least paragraph [0135] and Fig. 9, the UE multiplexing a HARQ response to a transmission from the BS and the first CSI report in a PUCCH and transmit the PUCCH to the BS via one of the PUCCH resources (one of the resources interpreted as second uplink resource).). As to claim 7: Rungta discloses the UE of claim 1. Rungta further discloses wherein the first uplink resource is a first physical uplink control channel resource and the second uplink resource is a second physical uplink control channel resource (see at least paragraph [0175], UE is configured a first PUCCH resource for HARQ responses 1922 (i.e., an ACK 1 resource), a second PUCCH resource for a first CSI 1924 (i.e., a CSI 1 resource).). As to claim 8: Rungta discloses the UE of claim 1. Rungta further discloses wherein the configuration is a radio resource control configuration (see at least paragraph [0115], configuration is a radio resource control.). As to claim 9: Rungta discloses a method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving a configuration identifying a first uplink resource for hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) reporting and a second uplink resource for channel state information (CSI) reports (see at least paragraph [0175], UE is configured a first PUCCH resource for HARQ responses 1922 (i.e., an ACK 1 resource), a second PUCCH resource for a first CSI 1924 (i.e., a CSI 1 resource).); receiving a downlink communication associated with reporting HARQ-ACK in the first uplink resource (see at least paragraph [0083], a HARQ-ACK is transmitted with respect to a PDSCH transmission.); and transmitting, via the second uplink resource, the HARQ-ACK multiplexed with one or more CSI reports based at least in part on a determination that the first uplink resource and the second uplink resource are in a same sub-slot (see at least paragraph [0135] and Fig. 9, the UE multiplexing a HARQ response to a transmission from the BS and the first CSI report in a PUCCH and transmit the PUCCH to the BS via one of the PUCCH resources (one of the resources interpreted as second uplink resource). Furthermore, see at least paragraphs [0123], [0127], when a UE has both a HARQ response and CSI to send in a slot and the individual PUCCH resources for HARQ response and CSI overlap in time (HARQ response and CSI overlap in time interpreted as same slot), in addition, a slot can have sub-slot or mini-slot, (see paragraph [0111]).). As to claim 10: Rungta discloses the method of claim 9. Rungta further discloses wherein the UE does not expect the HARQ-ACK to be moved to another sub-slot due to multiplexing the HARQ-ACK and the one or more CSI reports (see at least paragraph [0135] and Fig. 9, the UE multiplexing a HARQ response to a transmission from the BS and the first CSI report in a PUCCH. When multiplexing HARQ-ACK will not move to another slot.). As to claim 11: Rungta discloses the method of claim 9. Rungta further discloses further comprising: transmitting HARQ-ACK information in a sub-slot on an uplink resource configured for HARQ-ACK reporting based at least in part on the HARQ-ACK information being associated with multiplexing with CSI reports in another sub-slot (see at least paragraph [0010], multiplexing the HARQ response and the first CSI report in the PUCCH; and transmitting the PUCCH to the BS via a third PUCCH resource that corresponds to the PUCCH.). As to claim 12: Rungta discloses the method of claim 9. Rungta further discloses further comprising: refraining from transmitting HARQ-ACK information based at least in part on the HARQ-ACK information being associated with multiplexing with CSI reports in another sub-slot (see at least paragraph [0011], the PUCCH includes the HARQ response multiplexed with the first CSI report; and demultiplexing (interpreted as not transmitting) the first CSI report and the HARQ response from the PUCCH.). As to claim 13: Rungta discloses the method of claim 9. Rungta further discloses further comprising: determining that the HARQ-ACK is to be multiplexed with one or more CSI reports on the second uplink resource (see at least paragraph [0135] and Fig. 9, the UE multiplexing a HARQ response to a transmission from the BS and the first CSI report in a PUCCH and transmit the PUCCH to the BS via one of the PUCCH resources (one of the resources interpreted as second uplink resource).). As to claim 15: Rungta discloses the method of claim 9. Rungta further discloses wherein the first uplink resource is a first physical uplink control channel resource and the second uplink resource is a second physical uplink control channel resource (see at least paragraph [0175], UE is configured a first PUCCH resource for HARQ responses 1922 (i.e., an ACK 1 resource), a second PUCCH resource for a first CSI 1924 (i.e., a CSI 1 resource).). As to claim 16: Rungta discloses the method of claim 9. Rungta further discloses wherein the configuration is a radio resource control configuration (see at least paragraph [0115], configuration is a radio resource control.). As to claim 17: Rungta discloses a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication, the set of instructions comprising: one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to: receive a configuration identifying a first uplink resource for hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) reporting and a second uplink resource for channel state information (CSI) reports (see at least paragraph [0175], UE is configured a first PUCCH resource for HARQ responses 1922 (i.e., an ACK 1 resource), a second PUCCH resource for a first CSI 1924 (i.e., a CSI 1 resource).); receive a downlink communication associated with reporting HARQ-ACK in the first uplink resource (see at least paragraph [0083], a HARQ-ACK is transmitted with respect to a PDSCH transmission.); and transmit, via the second uplink resource, the HARQ-ACK multiplexed with one or more CSI reports based at least in part on a determination that the first uplink resource and the second uplink resource are in a same sub-slot (see at least paragraph [0135] and Fig. 9, the UE multiplexing a HARQ response to a transmission from the BS and the first CSI report in a PUCCH and transmit the PUCCH to the BS via one of the PUCCH resources (one of the resources interpreted as second uplink resource). Furthermore, see at least paragraphs [0123], [0127], when a UE has both a HARQ response and CSI to send in a slot and the individual PUCCH resources for HARQ response and CSI overlap in time (HARQ response and CSI overlap in time interpreted as same slot), in addition, a slot can have sub-slot or mini-slot, (see paragraph [0111]).). As to claim 18: Rungta discloses the non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17. Rungta further discloses wherein the UE does not expect the HARQ-ACK to be moved to another sub-slot due to multiplexing the HARQ-ACK and the one or more CSI reports (see at least paragraph [0135] and Fig. 9, the UE multiplexing a HARQ response to a transmission from the BS and the first CSI report in a PUCCH. When multiplexing HARQ-ACK will not move to another slot.). As to claim 19: Rungta discloses the non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17. Rungta further discloses wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the UE to: transmit HARQ-ACK information on an uplink resource in a sub-slot configured for HARQ-ACK reporting based at least in part on the HARQ-ACK information being associated with multiplexing with CSI reports in another sub-slot (see at least paragraph [0010], multiplexing the HARQ response and the first CSI report in the PUCCH; and transmitting the PUCCH to the BS via a third PUCCH resource that corresponds to the PUCCH.). As to claim 20: Rungta discloses the non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17. Rungta further discloses wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the UE to: refrain from transmitting HARQ-ACK information based at least in part on the HARQ-ACK information being associated with multiplexing with CSI reports in another sub-slot (see at least paragraph [0011], the PUCCH includes the HARQ response multiplexed with the first CSI report; and demultiplexing (interpreted as not transmitting) the first CSI report and the HARQ response from the PUCCH.). 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 of this title, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. Claims 6 and 14 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Rungta et al. (US 20200106564, Rungta hereinafter) in view of Gao et al. (US 20220369347, Gao hereinafter). As to claim 6: Rungta discloses the UE of claim 1. Rungta do not explicitly disclose wherein the downlink communication is a semi-persistent scheduling physical downlink shared channel communication. However Gao discloses wherein the downlink communication is a semi-persistent scheduling physical downlink shared channel communication (see at least paragraphs [0042]-[0043] and [0095]-[0097], Semi-Persistent Scheduling (SPS) HARQ-ACK (that is, a HARQ-ACK corresponding to a SPS PDSCH).). Thus it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to implement SPS PDSCH, as taught by Gao, into the invention of Rungta in order to reduce transmission delay (see Gao, paragraph [0088]). As to claim 14: Rungta discloses the method of claim 9. Rungta do not explicitly disclose wherein the downlink communication is a semi-persistent scheduling physical downlink shared channel communication. However Gao discloses wherein the downlink communication is a semi-persistent scheduling physical downlink shared channel communication (see at least paragraphs [0042]-[0043] and [0095]-[0097], Semi-Persistent Scheduling (SPS) HARQ-ACK (that is, a HARQ-ACK corresponding to a SPS PDSCH).). Thus it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to implement SPS PDSCH, as taught by Gao, into the invention of Rungta in order to reduce transmission delay (see Gao, paragraph [0088]). Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Aiba et al. (US 20190349147) discloses User Equipments, Base Stations And Methods For Uplink Control Information Multiplexing In Uplink. Li et al. (US 20210152317) discloses Method And Apparatus For Allocating PUCCH Resources To HARQ-ACK And CSI Transmissions. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to KABIR U JAHANGIR whose telephone number is (571)272-0796. The examiner can normally be reached Mon-Fri 10am to 6:30pm. 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, Ricky Ngo can be reached at (571)272-3139. 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. /K. J./ Examiner, Art Unit 2464 /RICKY Q NGO/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2464
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Apr 23, 2024
Application Filed
Apr 01, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §103 (current)

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

Patent 12640845
LOW-DENSITY PARITY-CHECK CODING INCLUDING PUNCTURED AUXILIARY BITS
2y 11m to grant Granted May 26, 2026
Patent 12634817
Data Sending/Receiving Method, Electronic Device, and Computer-Readable Storage Medium
4y 2m to grant Granted May 19, 2026
Patent 12610297
METHOD AND USER EQUIPMENT SUPPORTING MUSIM FOR PRIORITIZING CELLS
2y 10m to grant Granted Apr 21, 2026
Patent 12598554
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING MAXIMUM UPLINK TRANSMISSION POWER IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
3y 4m to grant Granted Apr 07, 2026
Patent 12581371
METHOD AND DEVICE IN COMMUNICATION NODE USED FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
3y 10m to grant Granted Mar 17, 2026
Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

Strategy Recommendation AI-generated — please review before filing

Get a prosecution strategy drawn from examiner precedents, rejection analysis, and claim mapping.
Typically takes 5-10 seconds — AI-generated, attorney review required before filing

Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
88%
Grant Probability
96%
With Interview (+8.9%)
2y 4m (~3m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 451 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance 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