DETAILED ACTION
This communication is in response to the claims filed on 07/08/2026.
Application No: 18/661,417
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
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 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.
Response to Arguments
Applicants’ arguments filed 07/08/2026 have been fully considered but they are moot in view of the amended claim(s). Applicant has amended all independent claims that has changed the scope of the invention. Hence new ground of rejection(s) applied.
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.
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 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 1-3, 8-10, 15-16 and 20 are rejected under 35 U. S. C. 103 as being unpatentable over DUAN et al. (US 20220077988 A1) in view of JiLianghai et al. (US 20240064679 A1).
Regarding claim 1, DUAN teaches a method of reporting a user equipment (UE) time difference in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) ([0006], e.g. In an aspect, a method of wireless positioning performed by a user equipment (UE) includes receiving, from one or more transmission-reception points (TRPs), one or more on-demand downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS). [0122], a UE measures the differences between the times of arrival (ToAs) of reference signals (e.g., positioning reference signals (PRS)) received from pairs of base stations, referred to as reference signal time difference (RSTD) or time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements, and reports them to a positioning entity), the method comprising:
receiving, from a base station, a positioning reference signal (PRS) in downlink (DL) ([0171], e.g. A method of wireless positioning performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving, from one or more transmission-reception points (TRPs), one or more on-demand downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS) (i.e. receiving, from a base station, a positioning reference signal (PRS)));
determining, the UE time difference from the reception of the PRS to a transmission of a sounding reference signal (SRS) ([0125]. e.g. In an RTT procedure, a first entity (e.g., a base station or a UE) transmits a first RTT-related signal (e.g., a PRS or SRS) to a second entity (e.g., a UE or base station), which transmits a second RTT-related signal (e.g., an SRS or PRS) back to the first entity.. Each entity measures the time difference between the time of arrival (ToA) of the received RTT-related signal and the transmission time of the transmitted RTT-related signal. This time difference is referred to as a reception-to-transmission (Rx-Tx) time difference. The Rx-Tx time difference measurement may be made, or may be adjusted, to include only a time difference between nearest subframe boundaries for the received and transmitted signals. Both entities may then send their Rx-Tx time difference measurement to a location server (e.g., an LMF 270), which calculates the round trip propagation time (i.e., RTT) between the two entities from the two Rx-Tx time difference measurements (e.g., as the sum of the two Rx-Tx time difference measurements) (i.e. determining based on RTT-related signals, the UE time difference from the reception of the PRS to a transmission of a sounding reference signal)); and
reporting, to a location management function (LMF), the SRS based on the UE time difference ([0122], e.g. In an OTDOA or DL-TDOA positioning procedure, a UE measures the differences between the times of arrival (ToAs) of reference signals (e.g., positioning reference signals (PRS)) received from pairs of base stations, referred to as reference signal time difference (RSTD) or time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements, and reports them to a positioning entity. [0063] The functionality of the AMF 264 also includes location services management for regulatory services, transport for location services messages between the UE 204 and a location management function (LMF) 270 (which acts as a location server 230) (i.e. reporting, to a location management function (LMF))).
DUAN teaches a method of wireless positioning performed by a user equipment (UE) includes receiving, from one or more transmission-reception points (TRPs), one or more on-demand downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS). However, DUAN differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
reporting, to a location management function (LMF) an aggregate value of a plurality of timing advance (TA) adjustments applied by theUE.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, JiLianghai teaches wherein
reporting, to a location management function (LMF) an aggregate value of a plurality of timing advance (TA) adjustments applied by the UE ([0036], e.g. In an NTN, a UE may be configured to use a TA value to compensate for adjustments in communication delays based on changes in the UE's position. The UE may receive a TA command from a network entity, and determine a TA value to apply for uplink transmissions. The TA value may be based on one or more TA components (i.e. an aggregate value), including a TA component which the UE may determine based on its own location information and/or satellite position (i.e. determining an aggregate value of a plurality of timing advance (TA) adjustments)),
[0037] As described herein, a UE may use location information and/or satellite position to determine a TA component for transmitting an uplink message. … In some examples, the determined TA value may be based on additional parameters, such as an autonomous adjustment step (T.sub.q), an aggregate adjustment rate (T.sub.p) (i.e. reporting, an aggregate value to a core network element)),
[0064] The core network 130 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) or 5G core (5GC), which may include at least one control plane entity that manages access and mobility (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF) (i.e. LMF isa part of AMF, therefore reporting, to a location management function (LMF) an aggregate value of a plurality of timing advance (TA) adjustments applied by the UE)).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to implement the method of JiLianghai within the method of DUAN. The motivation to combine references is that the combined system provides that By implementing one or more of the described techniques for timing adjustment, devices of a wireless communications system may be able to effectively implement transmission schemes based on updated location in a timely manner that increases data throughput and improves latency, which may correspond to improved power consumption and communications reliability, among other considerations. For example, based on obtaining the updated location information, a UE may transmit data more reliably, which may increase data throughput and improve latency by reducing dropped or failed transmissions (See JiLianghai [0038]).
Regarding claim 2, DUAN in view of JiLianghai teaches all the limitations of claim 1. DUAN further teaches wherein verifying a UE location based on the UE time difference ([0125], e.g. Alternatively, one entity may send its Rx-Tx time difference measurement to the other entity, which then calculates the RTT. The distance between the two entities can be determined from the RTT and the known signal speed (e.g., the speed of light). For multi-RTT positioning, a first entity (e.g., a UE or base station) performs an RTT positioning procedure with multiple second entities (e.g., multiple base stations or UEs) to enable the location of the first entity to be determined (e.g., using multilateration) based on distances to, and the known locations of, the second entities. RTT and multi-RTT methods can be combined with other positioning techniques, such as UL-AoA and DL-AoD, to improve location accuracy (i.e. verifying a UE location based on the UE time difference)).
Regarding claim 3, DUAN in view of JiLianghai teaches all the limitations of claim 2. DUAN further teaches wherein the UE location is verified for one or more services including a public warning system (PWS), lawful interception (LI), an emergency service (EMS), or charging and tariff notifications ([0038], e.g. A heterogeneous network may also include home eNBs (HeNBs), which may provide service to a restricted group known as a closed subscriber group (CSG). [0054] Sidelink communication may be unicast or multicast, and may be used for device-to-device (D2D) media-sharing, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication (e.g., cellular V2X (cV2X) communication, enhanced V2X (eV2X) communication, etc.), emergency rescue applications (i.e. UE location is verified for one or more services including, an emergency service (EMS))).
Regarding claim 8, DUAN teaches a method of reporting a base station time difference in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) ([0006], e.g. In an aspect, a method of wireless positioning performed by a user equipment (UE) includes receiving, from one or more transmission-reception points (TRPs), one or more on-demand downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS). [0122], a UE measures the differences between the times of arrival (ToAs) of reference signals (e.g., positioning reference signals (PRS)) received from pairs of base stations, referred to as reference signal time difference (RSTD) or time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements, and reports them to a positioning entity), the method comprising:
transmitting, to a user equipment (UE), a positioning reference signal (PRS) in downlink (DL) ([0171], e.g. A method of wireless positioning performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving, from one or more transmission-reception points (TRPs), one or more on-demand downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS) (i.e. transmitting, from a base station, a positioning reference signal (PRS) to a UE));
determining, the base station time difference from the transmission of the PRS and a reception of a sounding reference signal (SRS) ([0125]. e.g. In an RTT procedure, a first entity (e.g., a base station or a UE) transmits a first RTT-related signal (e.g., a PRS or SRS) to a second entity (e.g., a UE or base station), which transmits a second RTT-related signal (e.g., an SRS or PRS) back to the first entity.. Each entity measures the time difference between the time of arrival (ToA) of the received RTT-related signal and the transmission time of the transmitted RTT-related signal. This time difference is referred to as a reception-to-transmission (Rx-Tx) time difference. The Rx-Tx time difference measurement may be made, or may be adjusted, to include only a time difference between nearest subframe boundaries for the received and transmitted signals. Both entities may then send their Rx-Tx time difference measurement to a location server (e.g., an LMF 270), which calculates the round trip propagation time (i.e., RTT) between the two entities from the two Rx-Tx time difference measurements (e.g., as the sum of the two Rx-Tx time difference measurements) (i.e. determining based on RTT-related signals, the base station time difference from the reception of the PRS to a transmission of a sounding reference signal)); and
reporting, to a location management function (LMF), the SRS based on the base station time difference ([0122], e.g. In an OTDOA or DL-TDOA positioning procedure, a UE measures the differences between the times of arrival (ToAs) of reference signals (e.g., positioning reference signals (PRS)) received from pairs of base stations, referred to as reference signal time difference (RSTD) or time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements, and reports them to a positioning entity. [0063] The functionality of the AMF 264 also includes location services management for regulatory services, transport for location services messages between the UE 204 and a location management function (LMF) 270 (which acts as a location server 230) (i.e. reporting, to a location management function (LMF))).
DUAN teaches a method of wireless positioning performed by a user equipment (UE) includes receiving, from one or more transmission-reception points (TRPs), one or more on-demand downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS). However DUAN differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
reporting, to a location management function (LMF) an aggregate value of a plurality of timing advance (TA) adjustments applied by the UE.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, JiLianghai teaches wherein
reporting, to a location management function (LMF) an aggregate value of a plurality of timing advance (TA) adjustments applied by the UE ([0036], e.g. In an NTN, a UE may be configured to use a TA value to compensate for adjustments in communication delays based on changes in the UE's position. The UE may receive a TA command from a network entity, and determine a TA value to apply for uplink transmissions. The TA value may be based on one or more TA components (i.e. an aggregate value), including a TA component which the UE may determine based on its own location information and/or satellite position (i.e. determining an aggregate value of a plurality of timing advance (TA) adjustments)),
[0037] As described herein, a UE may use location information and/or satellite position to determine a TA component for transmitting an uplink message. … In some examples, the determined TA value may be based on additional parameters, such as an autonomous adjustment step (T.sub.q), an aggregate adjustment rate (T.sub.p) (i.e. reporting, an aggregate value to a core network element)),
[0064] The core network 130 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) or 5G core (5GC), which may include at least one control plane entity that manages access and mobility (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF) (i.e. LMF isa part of AMF, therefore reporting, to a location management function (LMF) an aggregate value of a plurality of timing advance (TA) adjustments applied by the UE)).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to implement the method of JiLianghai within the method of DUAN. The motivation to combine references is that the combined system provides that By implementing one or more of the described techniques for timing adjustment, devices of a wireless communications system may be able to effectively implement transmission schemes based on updated location in a timely manner that increases data throughput and improves latency, which may correspond to improved power consumption and communications reliability, among other considerations. For example, based on obtaining the updated location information, a UE may transmit data more reliably, which may increase data throughput and improve latency by reducing dropped or failed transmissions (See JiLianghai [0038]).
Regarding claim 9, DUAN in view of JiLianghai teaches all the limitations of claim 8. DUAN further teaches wherein further comprising: verifying a UE location based on the base station time difference ([0125], e.g. Alternatively, one entity may send its Rx-Tx time difference measurement to the other entity, which then calculates the RTT. The distance between the two entities can be determined from the RTT and the known signal speed (e.g., the speed of light). For multi-RTT positioning, a first entity (e.g., a UE or base station) performs an RTT positioning procedure with multiple second entities (e.g., multiple base stations or UEs) to enable the location of the first entity to be determined (e.g., using multilateration) based on distances to, and the known locations of, the second entities. RTT and multi-RTT methods can be combined with other positioning techniques, such as UL-AoA and DL-AoD, to improve location accuracy (i.e. verifying a UE location based on the UE time difference)).
Regarding claim 10, DUAN in view of JiLianghai teaches all the limitations of claim 9. DUAN further teaches wherein the UE location is verified for one or more services including a public warning system (PWS), lawful interception (LI), an emergency service (EMS), or charging and tariff notifications ([0038], e.g. A heterogeneous network may also include home eNBs (HeNBs), which may provide service to a restricted group known as a closed subscriber group (CSG). [0054] Sidelink communication may be unicast or multicast, and may be used for device-to-device (D2D) media-sharing, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication (e.g., cellular V2X (cV2X) communication, enhanced V2X (eV2X) communication, etc.), emergency rescue applications (i.e. UE location is verified for one or more services including, an emergency service (EMS))).
Regarding claim 15, DUAN teaches a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, the instructions ([0013], e.g. In an aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores computer-executable instructions (i.e. a computer with a processor and memory) that, when executed by an transmission-reception point (TRP), cause the transmission-reception point (TRP) to: transmit, to a user equipment (UE), one or more on-demand downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS), the one or more on-demand DL-PRS having one or more downlink transmission parameters; and receive, from the UE, one or more uplink positioning reference signals (UL-PRS), the one or more UL-PRS having one or more uplink transmission parameters, wherein values of the one or more uplink transmission parameters are the same as or within a threshold of values of the one or more downlink transmission parameters.), when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:
receive, from a base station, a positioning reference signal (PRS) in downlink (DL) receiving, from a base station, a positioning reference signal (PRS) in downlink (DL) ([0171], e.g. A method of wireless positioning performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving, from one or more transmission-reception points (TRPs), one or more on-demand downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS) (i.e. receiving, from a base station, a positioning reference signal (PRS)));
determining, a User equipment (UE) time difference from the reception of the PRS to a transmission of a sounding reference signal (SRS) ([0125]. e.g. In an RTT procedure, a first entity (e.g., a base station or a UE) transmits a first RTT-related signal (e.g., a PRS or SRS) to a second entity (e.g., a UE or base station), which transmits a second RTT-related signal (e.g., an SRS or PRS) back to the first entity.. Each entity measures the time difference between the time of arrival (ToA) of the received RTT-related signal and the transmission time of the transmitted RTT-related signal. This time difference is referred to as a reception-to-transmission (Rx-Tx) time difference. The Rx-Tx time difference measurement may be made, or may be adjusted, to include only a time difference between nearest subframe boundaries for the received and transmitted signals. Both entities may then send their Rx-Tx time difference measurement to a location server (e.g., an LMF 270), which calculates the round trip propagation time (i.e., RTT) between the two entities from the two Rx-Tx time difference measurements (e.g., as the sum of the two Rx-Tx time difference measurements) (i.e. determining based on RTT-related signals, the UE time difference from the reception of the PRS to a transmission of a sounding reference signal)); and
report, to a location management function (LMF), the SRS based on the UE time difference ([0122], e.g. In an OTDOA or DL-TDOA positioning procedure, a UE measures the differences between the times of arrival (ToAs) of reference signals (e.g., positioning reference signals (PRS)) received from pairs of base stations, referred to as reference signal time difference (RSTD) or time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements, and reports them to a positioning entity. [0063] The functionality of the AMF 264 also includes location services management for regulatory services, transport for location services messages between the UE 204 and a location management function (LMF) 270 (which acts as a location server 230) (i.e. reporting, to a location management function (LMF))).
DUAN teaches a method of wireless positioning performed by a user equipment (UE) includes receiving, from one or more transmission-reception points (TRPs), one or more on-demand downlink positioning reference signals (DL-PRS). However, DUAN differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
report, to a location management function (LMF) an aggregate value of a plurality of timing advance (TA) adjustments applied by the UE.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, JiLianghai teaches wherein
report, to a location management function (LMF) an aggregate value of a plurality of timing advance (TA) adjustments applied by the UE ([0036], e.g. In an NTN, a UE may be configured to use a TA value to compensate for adjustments in communication delays based on changes in the UE's position. The UE may receive a TA command from a network entity, and determine a TA value to apply for uplink transmissions. The TA value may be based on one or more TA components (i.e. an aggregate value), including a TA component which the UE may determine based on its own location information and/or satellite position (i.e. determining an aggregate value of a plurality of timing advance (TA) adjustments)),
[0037] As described herein, a UE may use location information and/or satellite position to determine a TA component for transmitting an uplink message. … In some examples, the determined TA value may be based on additional parameters, such as an autonomous adjustment step (T.sub.q), an aggregate adjustment rate (T.sub.p) (i.e. reporting, an aggregate value to a core network element)),
[0064] The core network 130 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) or 5G core (5GC), which may include at least one control plane entity that manages access and mobility (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF) (i.e. LMF isa part of AMF, therefore reporting, to a location management function (LMF) an aggregate value of a plurality of timing advance (TA) adjustments applied by the UE)).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to implement the method of JiLianghai within the method of DUAN. The motivation to combine references is that the combined system provides that By implementing one or more of the described techniques for timing adjustment, devices of a wireless communications system may be able to effectively implement transmission schemes based on updated location in a timely manner that increases data throughput and improves latency, which may correspond to improved power consumption and communications reliability, among other considerations. For example, based on obtaining the updated location information, a UE may transmit data more reliably, which may increase data throughput and improve latency by reducing dropped or failed transmissions (See JiLianghai [0038]).
Regarding claim 16, DUAN in view of JiLianghai teaches all the limitations of claim 15. DUAN further teaches wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to: verify a UE location based on the UE time difference ([0125], e.g. Alternatively, one entity may send its Rx-Tx time difference measurement to the other entity, which then calculates the RTT. The distance between the two entities can be determined from the RTT and the known signal speed (e.g., the speed of light). For multi-RTT positioning, a first entity (e.g., a UE or base station) performs an RTT positioning procedure with multiple second entities (e.g., multiple base stations or UEs) to enable the location of the first entity to be determined (e.g., using multilateration) based on distances to, and the known locations of, the second entities. RTT and multi-RTT methods can be combined with other positioning techniques, such as UL-AoA and DL-AoD, to improve location accuracy (i.e. verifying a UE location based on the UE time difference)),
wherein the UE location is verified for one or more services including a public warning system (PWS), lawful interception (LI), an emergency service (EMS), or charging and tariff notifications ([0038], e.g. A heterogeneous network may also include home eNBs (HeNBs), which may provide service to a restricted group known as a closed subscriber group (CSG). [0054] Sidelink communication may be unicast or multicast, and may be used for device-to-device (D2D) media-sharing, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication (e.g., cellular V2X (cV2X) communication, enhanced V2X (eV2X) communication, etc.), emergency rescue applications (i.e. UE location is verified for one or more services including, an emergency service (EMS))).
Regarding claim 20, DUAN in view of JiLianghai teaches all the limitations of claim 19. DUAN further teaches wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to report, from a base station to the LMF, a base station reception – transmission (Rx-Tx) time difference ([0132], e.g. Each involved network node 502 also reports, to the positioning entity (i.e. LMF), a transmission-to-reception (Tx-Rx) time difference measurement, which indicates the difference between the transmission time of the RTT measurement signal and the reception time of the RTT response signal (i.e. reporting, by a base station to the LMF)).
Claims 4, 6, 11, 13, 17 and 19 are rejected under 35 U. S. C. 103 as being unpatentable over DUAN et al. (US 20220077988 A1) in view of JiLianghai et al. (US 20240064679 A1) and further in view of Ernström et al. (WO 2023079512 A1).
Regarding claim 4, DUAN in view of JiLianghai teaches all the limitations of claim 1.
DUAN in view of JiLianghai differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly teaching wherein transmitting the aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE from a time point before the reception of the PRS to a time point at the transmission of the SRS.
However, in the same field of endeavor, Ernström teaches that wherein
transmitting the aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE from a time point before the reception of the PRS to a time point at the transmission of the SRS ([0087], e.g. In some embodiments, the configuration information can indicate that the wireless device, responsive to determining a UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement based on the DL PRS, estimates the transmission timing compensation for the UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement and the associated SRS resource (i.e. transmitting an aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE). [0089] In some embodiments, estimating the transmission timing compensation includes estimating a difference in transmission timing between an end of the time interval and a start of the time interval. In some embodiments, the transmission timing compensation is estimated based on at least one of: a transmission timing adjustment made within the time interval, and/or a transmission timing estimate made within the time interval. [0090] In some embodiments, the wireless device can further estimate an accuracy associated with the estimated transmission timing compensation. The wireless device can report the estimated accuracy (i.e. reporting an aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE from a time point before the reception of the PRS to a time point at the transmission of the SRS)).
The motivation to combine reference of Ernström and JiLianghai within the method of DUAN before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides improving positioning accuracy of the Rel-16 NR positioning methods by mitigating UE Rx/Tx and/or gNB Rx/Tx timing delays, including: DL, UL and DL+UL positioning methods; and/or UE-based and UE-assisted positioning solutions (See Ernström [abstract, 0036]).
Regarding claim 6, DUAN in view of JiLianghai teaches all the limitations of claim 1. DUAN in view of JiLianghai differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly teaching wherein
transmitting an aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE from a time point at the reception of the PRS to a time point at the transmission of the SRS.
However, in the same field of endeavor, Ernström teaches that wherein
transmitting an aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE from a time point at the reception of the PRS to a time point at the transmission of the SRS ([0087], e.g. In some embodiments, the configuration information can indicate that the wireless device, responsive to determining a UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement based on the DL PRS, estimates the transmission timing compensation for the UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement and the associated SRS resource (i.e. transmitting an aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE). [0089] In some embodiments, estimating the transmission timing compensation includes estimating a difference in transmission timing between an end of the time interval and a start of the time interval. In some embodiments, the transmission timing compensation is estimated based on at least one of: a transmission timing adjustment made within the time interval, and/or a transmission timing estimate made within the time interval. [0090] In some embodiments, the wireless device can further estimate an accuracy associated with the estimated transmission timing compensation. The wireless device can report the estimated accuracy (i.e. transmitting an aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE from a time point at the reception of the PRS to a time point at the transmission of the SRS)).
The motivation to combine reference of Ernström and JiLianghai within the method of DUAN before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides improving positioning accuracy of the Rel-16 NR positioning methods by mitigating UE Rx/Tx and/or gNB Rx/Tx timing delays, including: DL, UL and DL+UL positioning methods; and/or UE-based and UE-assisted positioning solutions (See Ernström [abstract, 0036]).
Regarding claim 11, DUAN in view of JiLianghai teaches all the limitations of claim 8.
DUAN in view of JiLianghai differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly teaching wherein
receiving the aggregate value of the plurality of (TA) adjustments applied by the UE from a time point before the reception of the PRS to a time point at the transmission of the SRS.
However, in the same field of endeavor, Ernström teaches that wherein
receiving the aggregate value of the plurality of (TA) adjustments applied by the UE from a time point before the reception of the PRS to a time point at the transmission of the SRS ([0087], e.g. In some embodiments, the configuration information can indicate that the wireless device, responsive to determining a UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement based on the DL PRS, estimates the transmission timing compensation for the UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement and the associated SRS resource (i.e. receiving an aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE). [0089] In some embodiments, estimating the transmission timing compensation includes estimating a difference in transmission timing between an end of the time interval and a start of the time interval. In some embodiments, the transmission timing compensation is estimated based on at least one of: a transmission timing adjustment made within the time interval, and/or a transmission timing estimate made within the time interval. [0090] In some embodiments, the wireless device can further estimate an accuracy associated with the estimated transmission timing compensation. The wireless device can report the estimated accuracy (i.e. receiving an aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE from a time point before the reception of the PRS to a time point at the transmission of the SRS)).
The motivation to combine reference of Ernström and JiLianghai within the method of DUAN before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides improving positioning accuracy of the Rel-16 NR positioning methods by mitigating UE Rx/Tx and/or gNB Rx/Tx timing delays, including: DL, UL and DL+UL positioning methods; and/or UE-based and UE-assisted positioning solutions (See Ernström [abstract, 0036]).
Regarding claim 13, DUAN in view of JiLianghai teaches all the limitations of claim 8.
DUAN in view of JiLianghai differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly teaching wherein
receiving the aggregate value of the plurality of (TA) adjustments applied by the UE from a time point at the reception of the PRS to a time point at the transmission of the SRS.
However, in the same field of endeavor, Ernström teaches that wherein
receiving the aggregate value of the plurality of (TA) adjustments applied by the UE from a time point at the reception of the PRS to a time point at the transmission of the SRS ([0087], e.g. In some embodiments, the configuration information can indicate that the wireless device, responsive to determining a UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement based on the DL PRS, estimates the transmission timing compensation for the UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement and the associated SRS resource (i.e. receiving an aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE). [0089] In some embodiments, estimating the transmission timing compensation includes estimating a difference in transmission timing between an end of the time interval and a start of the time interval. In some embodiments, the transmission timing compensation is estimated based on at least one of: a transmission timing adjustment made within the time interval, and/or a transmission timing estimate made within the time interval. [0090] In some embodiments, the wireless device can further estimate an accuracy associated with the estimated transmission timing compensation. The wireless device can report the estimated accuracy (i.e. receiving an aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE from a time point at the reception of the PRS to a time point at the transmission of the SRS)).
The motivation to combine reference of Ernström and JiLianghai within the method of DUAN before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides improving positioning accuracy of the Rel-16 NR positioning methods by mitigating UE Rx/Tx and/or gNB Rx/Tx timing delays, including: DL, UL and DL+UL positioning methods; and/or UE-based and UE-assisted positioning solutions (See Ernström [abstract, 0036]).
Regarding claim 17, DUAN in view of JiLianghai teaches all the limitations of claim 15. DUAN in view of JiLianghai differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly teaching wherein transmit the aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE from a time point before the reception of the PRS to a time point at the transmission of the SRS.
However, in the same field of endeavor, Ernström teaches that wherein
transmit the aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE from a time point before the reception of the PRS to a time point at the transmission of the SRS ([0087], e.g. In some embodiments, the configuration information can indicate that the wireless device, responsive to determining a UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement based on the DL PRS, estimates the transmission timing compensation for the UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement and the associated SRS resource (i.e. transmitting an aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE). [0089] In some embodiments, estimating the transmission timing compensation includes estimating a difference in transmission timing between an end of the time interval and a start of the time interval. In some embodiments, the transmission timing compensation is estimated based on at least one of: a transmission timing adjustment made within the time interval, and/or a transmission timing estimate made within the time interval. [0090] In some embodiments, the wireless device can further estimate an accuracy associated with the estimated transmission timing compensation. The wireless device can report the estimated accuracy (i.e. transmitting an aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE from a time point before the reception of the PRS to a time point at the transmission of the SRS)).
The motivation to combine reference of Ernström and JiLianghai within the method of DUAN before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides improving positioning accuracy of the Rel-16 NR positioning methods by mitigating UE Rx/Tx and/or gNB Rx/Tx timing delays, including: DL, UL and DL+UL positioning methods; and/or UE-based and UE-assisted positioning solutions (See Ernström [abstract, 0036]).
Regarding claim 19, DUAN in view of JiLianghai teaches all the limitations of claim 15. DUAN in view of JiLianghai differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly teaching wherein transmit the aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE from a time point at the reception of the PRS to a time point at the transmission of the SRS.
However, in the same field of endeavor, Ernström teaches that wherein
transmit the aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE from a time point at the reception of the PRS to a time point at the transmission of the SRS.
([0087], e.g. In some embodiments, the configuration information can indicate that the wireless device, responsive to determining a UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement based on the DL PRS, estimates the transmission timing compensation for the UE Rx-Tx time difference measurement and the associated SRS resource (i.e. transmitting an aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE). [0089] In some embodiments, estimating the transmission timing compensation includes estimating a difference in transmission timing between an end of the time interval and a start of the time interval. In some embodiments, the transmission timing compensation is estimated based on at least one of: a transmission timing adjustment made within the time interval, and/or a transmission timing estimate made within the time interval. [0090] In some embodiments, the wireless device can further estimate an accuracy associated with the estimated transmission timing compensation. The wireless device can report the estimated accuracy (i.e. reporting an aggregate value of the plurality of TA adjustments applied by the UE from a time point at the reception of the PRS to a time point at the transmission of the SRS)).
The motivation to combine reference of Ernström and JiLianghai within the method of DUAN before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides improving positioning accuracy of the Rel-16 NR positioning methods by mitigating UE Rx/Tx and/or gNB Rx/Tx timing delays, including: DL, UL and DL+UL positioning methods; and/or UE-based and UE-assisted positioning solutions (See Ernström [abstract, 0036]).
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 5, 7, 12, 14 and 18 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable, if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims; and amending claim(s) to overcome any objection(s) and /or rejection(s) set forth in this Office action.
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 extension fee 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.
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/MAHENDRA R PATEL/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2645
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