Detailed Action
The office action is in response to the communications filed on 06/18/2026.
Notice of 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 .
Claims Status
Claims 10-11 have been cancelled.
Claims 21-22 have been newly added.
Claims 3, 7-9, 15, 18, and 19 have been amended.
Claims 1-9 and 12-22 are pending in this application.
Prior Art Made of Record
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Raghavan et al. (Publication No. US 2023/0269638), the prior art discloses that when one or more measurement objects are monitored within measurement gaps, the carrier specific scaling factor for a target measurement object with index i is designated as CSSF.sub.within_gap,i and is derived as described in this clause; see ¶ 113.
Response to Arguments
35 USC § 112(b)
Regarding Claims 8-11, 15, and 18-19, the claims were rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 112(b) as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the invention (i.e. “relaxed measurement”). However, Applicant’s arguments and claim amendments with respect to 35 U.S.C. § 112(b) rejection have been fully considered and are found persuasive. Accordingly, the rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 112(b) is hereby withdrawn.
35 USC § 102
Regarding Claim 1, Applicant remarks, filed on 06/18/2026, argue that the cited portion of the prior art, individually or in combination, fails to disclose the features in claim 1, specifically, "transmit a measurement report for the reference carrier based at least in part on detecting a cell of the reference carrier". Examiner respectfully disagrees. Tang discloses that the measurement resource configuration for a reference carrier/BWP enables the UE 602 to perform measurements on the reference carrier/BWP and obtain corresponding measurement information; see ¶ 138. The UE transmit a measurement report with the measurement information; figure 9 step 626. In addition, Applicant argues that the prior art does not disclose that reporting is triggered or conditioned on cell detection. Examiner notes that the features upon which applicant relies (i.e., “reporting is triggered or conditioned on cell detection”) are not recited in the rejected claim(s). Although the claims are interpreted in light of the specification, limitations from the specification are not read into the claims. See In re Van Geuns, 988 F.2d 1181, 26 USPQ2d 1057 (Fed. Cir. 1993). For this reason discussed above the claim is met by the prior art.
35 U.S.C. 103
Regarding Claim 8, Applicant remarks, filed on 06/18/2026, argue that the cited portion of the prior art, individually or in combination, fails to disclose the features in claim 8. In specific, Applicant indicates that the features reciting “receive a group index for the group indicating that a reduced carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) is to be applied to one or more carriers in the group for measurement of the one or more carriers" and "apply the relaxed measurement reduced CSSF to the one or more carriers” are not disclosed by the prior art. Examiner agrees, based on the remarks, that the amendments to claim 8 overcome the prior art rejection. However, a new ground of rejection necessitated by the claim amendments is set forth below.
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)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1-3, 6, 12-14, 16, and 20 are rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Tang et al. (Publication No. US 20230337029, hereinafter referred to as Tang).
Regarding claims 1 and 20, Tang discloses an apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising (A wireless communication system includes a UE; see figure 9 numeral 602.):
one or more memories (It is inherent that the UE includes one or more memories in order to communicate with the base station (BS).); and
one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors individually or collectively configured to cause the UE to (It is inherent that the UE includes one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories in order to communicate with the base station (BS).):
receive a configuration for a group of carriers with corresponding measurement objects and a reference carrier for the group (A measurement resource configuration may identify the reference carrier/BWP for the measurement and one or more measurement objects in that reference carrier/BWP; see figure 9 step 620 & ¶ 138.); and
transmit a measurement report for the reference carrier based at least in part on detecting a cell of the reference carrier (The measurement resource configuration for a reference carrier/BWP enables the UE 602 to perform measurements on the reference carrier/BWP and obtain corresponding measurement information; see ¶ 138. The UE transmit a measurement report with the measurement information; figure 9 step 626.).
Regarding claim 2, Tang discloses that the one or more processors are individually or collectively configured to cause the UE to transmit, based at least in part on a measurement adaptation, one or more measurements respectively for one or more remaining carriers of the group (The measurement reports transmitted may relate to any, one, some or all of the carriers/BWPs in a MG, including reference and/or non-reference carriers/BWPs; see ¶ 157.).
Regarding claim 3, Tang discloses that the transmission of the one or more measurements for the one or more remaining carriers is after transmission of the measurement for the reference carrier (Multiple measurement reports may be transmitted at multiple different times by the UE; see ¶ 157.).
Regarding claim 6, Tang discloses that the one or more processors are individually or collectively configured to cause the UE to measure the one or more remaining carriers based at least in part on information received for one or more of an automatic gain control, a time, or a frequency (In the case that multiple MGs are configured for the UE, step 622 may include measuring the reference carrier/BWP of each of the MGs, wherein the measurements of multiple reference carriers/BWPs may occur at different times; see figure 9 step 622 & ¶ 153.).
Regarding claim 12, Tang discloses that the configuration configures event-based reporting for the reference carrier (The measurement report configuration could specify the measurement events and specify conditions for each of the measurement events, such as a threshold for each event and/or a hysteresis value (or offset) for each event; see ¶ 141).
Regarding claim 13, Tang discloses that the one or more processors are individually or collectively configured to cause the UE to receive an indication of the reference carrier (The BS transmit indication of available carriers/BWPs, wherein the carriers include the reference carrier; see figure 9 step 610 & ¶¶ 132-133.).
Regarding claim 14, Tang discloses that the one or more processors are individually or collectively configured to cause the UE to identify the reference carrier based at least in part on a synchronization signal block and based measurement timing configuration periodicity (The measurement resource configuration may identify one or more measurement objects in that reference carrier, wherein the measurement objects include synchronization signal block (SSB); see ¶ 138. Further, the measurement resource configuration may indicate the time resources and/or frequency resources for a measurement, including a possible measurement gap; see ¶ 138.).
Regarding claim 16, Tang discloses an apparatus for wireless communication at a network entity, comprising (A wireless communication system includes a base station (BS); see figure 9 numeral 602.):
one or more memories (It is inherent that the BS includes one or more memories in order to communicate with the user equipment (UE); see figure 9.); and
one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors individually or collectively configured to cause the network entity to (It is inherent that the BS includes one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories in order to communicate with the UE
transmit a configuration for a group of carriers with corresponding measurement objects and a reference carrier for the group (A measurement resource configuration may identify the reference carrier/BWP for the measurement and one or more measurement objects in that reference carrier/BWP; see figure 9 step 620 & ¶ 138.); and
receive a measurement report for the reference carrier based at least in part on detecting a cell of the reference carrier (The measurement resource configuration for a reference carrier/BWP enables the UE 602 to perform measurements on the reference carrier/BWP and obtain corresponding measurement information; see ¶ 138. The UE transmit a measurement report with the measurement information; figure 9 step 626.).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent may not be obtained though the invention is not identically disclosed or described as set forth in section 102 of this title, if the differences between the subject matter sought to be patented and the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which said subject matter pertains. Patentability shall not be negatived by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under AIA 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 nonobviousness.
Claims 4, 15, and 17 are rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tang et al. (Publication No. US 20230337029 , hereinafter referred to as Tang) in view of Cui et al. (Publication No. US 2024/0015844, hereinafter referred as Cui).
Regarding claims 4 and 17, Tang discloses measurement based on a reference carrier, but fails to explicitly disclose that the measurement adaptation includes a reduced carrier-specific scaling factor and a reduced measurement cycle. However, in analogous art, Cui discloses a measurement (e.g. RRM) relaxation scheme; see ¶ 1. In specific, when the cycle duration is less than N milliseconds [reduced measurement cycle] and the carrier specific scaling factor (CSSF) is equal to X; see ¶ 82. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Tang measurement system with relaxation scheme of Cui in order to enable different measurement depending on the medium conditions.
Regarding claim 15, Tang discloses that the configuration indicates a scaling factor associated with a relaxation factor. However, in analogous art, Cui discloses a measurement (e.g. RRM) relaxation scheme; see ¶ 1. In specific, when a relaxation factor and the carrier specific scaling factor (CSSF); see ¶ 82. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Tang measurement system with relaxation scheme of Cui in order to enable different measurement depending on the medium conditions.
Claims 5 is rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tang et al. (Publication No. US 20230337029 , hereinafter referred to as Tang) in view of Zhao et al. (Publication No. US 2024/0414579, hereinafter referred as Zhao).
Regarding claim 5, Tang discloses measurement based on a reference carrier, but fails to explicitly disclose that the measurement adaptation includes a reduced quantity of samples for measurement. However, in analogous art, Zhao discloses that the client device may be further configured to apply the selected relaxation factor to the measurement periodicity; see ¶ 77. This may comprise reducing the measurement samples; see ¶ 77. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Tang measurement system with relaxation factor of Zhao in order to improve the system power efficiency by selecting the relaxation factor based on the estimated client power consumption of each relaxation factor and the prediction accuracy of each relaxation factor.
Claim 7 is rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tang et al. (Publication No. US 20230337029 , hereinafter referred to as Tang) in view of Cui et al. (Publication No. US 2026/0075447, hereinafter referred as Cui).
Regarding claim 7, Tang discloses measurement based on a reference carrier, but fails to explicitly disclose that a carrier-specific scaling factor is equal to a quantity of groups until the transmission of the measurement. However, in analogous art, Cui discloses determining, by the UE, the value of the one or more CSSFs based on the (i) determined number of measurement objects to be measured [quantity of groups] and (ii) the determination as to whether the intra-frequency measurement is inside the active BWP or outside the active BWP; see ¶ 16. It’s interpreted the quantity of groups is value associated with the determination of the CSSF. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Tang measurement system with relaxation scheme of Cui in order to facilitate handover based on the measurement operations using the one or more CSSF; see ¶ 2.
Claims 8-9, 18-19, and 21-22 are rejected under AIA 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tang et al. (Publication No. US 20230337029, hereinafter referred to as Tang) in view of Li et al. (Publication No. US 2025/0393089, hereinafter referred as Li).
Regarding claims 8 and 18, Tang discloses measurement based on a reference carrier, but fails to explicitly disclose receiving a group index for the group indicating that a reduced carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) is to be applied to one or more carriers in the group for measurement of the one or more carriers; and
apply the reduced CSSF to the one or more carriers. However, in analogous art, Li discloses the UE determines a carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) and scales [reduce] or otherwise adjusts the determined measurement occasion based on the CSSF, wherein measurement occasion can include measurement period for performing intra-frequency and/or inter-frequency measurements [one or more carriers]; see figure 5 step 502-503 & ¶ 154. Furthermore, the UE is configured with the carrier-specific scaling factor CSSF.sub.outside_gap,i [index] for intra-frequency measurement and inter-frequency measurements; see ¶ 38. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Tang measurement system with reduction mechanism of Li in order to reduce a measurement delay.
Regarding claims 9 and 19, Tang discloses measurement based on a reference carrier, but fails to explicitly disclose transmitting a quantity of measurements for the one or more carriers based at least in part on application of the reduced CSSF. However, in analogous art, Li discloses the UE determines a carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) and scales [reduce] or otherwise adjusts the determined measurement occasion based on the CSSF, wherein measurement occasion can include measurement period for performing intra-frequency and/or inter-frequency measurements [one or more carriers]; see figure 5 step 502-503 & ¶ 154. Furthermore, the UE is configured with the carrier-specific scaling factor CSSF.sub.outside_gap,i [index] for intra-frequency measurement and inter-frequency measurements; see ¶ 38. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Tang measurement system with reduction mechanism of Li in order to reduce a measurement delay.
Regarding claim 21, Tang discloses measurement based on a reference carrier, but fails to explicitly disclose that the application of the reduced CSSF comprises an adjustment to a timing for measurement of the measurements for the one or more carriers. However, in analogous art, Li discloses the UE determines a carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) and scales [reduce] or otherwise adjusts the determined measurement occasion [timing] based on the CSSF, wherein measurement occasion can include measurement period for performing intra-frequency and/or inter-frequency measurements [one or more carriers]; see figure 5 step 502-503 & ¶ 154. Furthermore, the UE is configured with the carrier-specific scaling factor CSSF.sub.outside_gap,i [index] for intra-frequency measurement and inter-frequency measurements; see ¶ 38. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Tang measurement system with reduction mechanism of Li in order to reduce a measurement delay.
Regarding claim 22, Tang discloses measurement based on a reference carrier, but fails to explicitly disclose the adjustment to the timing comprises scaling a measurement delay or increasing a measurement period. However, in analogous art, Li discloses the UE determines a carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) and scales [reduce] or otherwise adjusts the determined measurement occasion based on the CSSF, wherein measurement occasion can include measurement period for performing intra-frequency and/or inter-frequency measurements [one or more carriers]; see figure 5 step 502-503 & ¶ 154. Furthermore, the UE is configured with the carrier-specific scaling factor CSSF.sub.outside_gap,i [index] for intra-frequency measurement and inter-frequency measurements; see ¶ 38. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Tang measurement system with reduction mechanism of Li in order to reduce a measurement delay.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Hector Reyes (Hector.Reyes@uspto.gov) whose telephone number is (571) 270-0239. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 6-5.
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, Kevin Bates (Kevin.Bates@uspto.gov) can be reached on (571) 270-0239. 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.
/H.R/Examiner, Art Unit 2472
/KEVIN T BATES/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2472
Prosecution Insights