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 .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
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 – 9, 16, 17 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Li et al (US 2020/0196208 A1) in view of Lunardi et al (US 2023/0319616 A1).
Claim 1 (similarly Claims 17 and 20). Li shows an apparatus configured for wireless communications (figs. 1, 5, 6 and 7: terminal device), comprising: one or more memories (fig. 14B: memory 1406); and one or more processors (fig. 14B: processor 1110), coupled to the one or more memories, configured to cause the apparatus to: send one or more indications of apparatus information (fig. 5: S501 session setup) comprising [one or more of]: (1) user equipment (UE) control plane assistance information, of the apparatus, related to a first radio access network (RAN) ([0052]: a unified control plane network element may be decomposed into an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element and a session management function (SMF) network element; [0064]: a first RAN device obtains capability information of a second RAN device wherein the capability information of the second RAN device is used to indicate an LADN (Local Area Data Network) supported by the second RAN device; [0108]: a terminal device sends a session setup request message to an AMF network element by using a first RAN device), wherein the UE control plane assistance information is sent to a second RAN that is different than the first RAN ([0057]: the UPF network element 203 can implement the user plane functions (SGW-U and PGW-U) of the SGW and the PGW wherein the UPF network element may be connected to a same data network 204 (DN) or different data networks 204 (DN), to implement data transmission of a service wherein the UPF network element may also be referred to as a UPF device or a UPF entity; [0167]: capability information of the RAN 2 includes a DNN 2 and a cell identifier of a cell 1, indicating that the LADN 2 uses a cell as a granularity and that the cell (cell 1) of the RAN 2 supports an LADN corresponding to the DNN 2).Li may not have expressly described further features of: (2) capability information of a capability of the apparatus to be connected to both the first RAN and the second RAN at a same time; or (3) a measurement report comprising measurement information related to communications on the second RAN; obtain configuration information associated with the second RAN; and communicate, based on the configuration information, with the second RAN.Lunardi teaches features of: capability information of a capability of an apparatus to be connected to both a first RAN and a second RAN at a same time ([0199] – [0201]: the first RAN node and the second RAN node consist of logical functions defined for the different RATs, such as LTE and NR… the first RAN node sends, to a second RAN node, a request to forward a pending QoE measurement configuration(s) or a modified version (such as a default QoE measurement configuration(s)) of the pending QoE measurement configuration(s) to a UE or group of UEs that have an active radio connection towards both the first RAN node and the second RAN node or to a UE or group of UEs that are being redirected from the first RAN node to the second RAN node… all or only part of the pending QoE measurement configuration(s) may be sent from the first RAN node to the second RAN node and they may be sent all at the same time or in more than one step, e.g. based on pre-defined configuration or settings such as priority, 5QI, radio related measurements, preemption capability, preemption vulnerability); or a measurement report comprising measurement information related to communications on the second RAN ([0210] – [0212]: the first RAN node may request the second RAN node to collect QoE measurement report(s) for pending QoE measurement configuration(s) not yet started by the first RAN node and for which the first RAN node requested the second RAN node to forward such QoE measurement configuration to the UE(s)… the first RAN node may request the second RAN node to collect QoE measurement report(s) only for part of the pending QoE measurement configuration(s) not yet started by the first RAN node and for which the first RAN node requested the second RAN node to forward such QoE measurement configuration to the UE(s)); obtain configuration information associated with the second RAN (see above; [0260]: the UE performs the reconfiguration according to the indication specified by the first RAN node or by the second RAN node (or preconfigured) when RAN overload is solved in one or both first RAN node and second RAN node); and communicate, based on the configuration information, with the second RAN ([0292]: the UE utilizes the uplink transmission resources allocated by the second UL grant to transmit all or a part of the buffered uplink data).It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to implement one of the three features as taught by Li and/or Lunardi in the UE of Li to facilitate mitigating RAN overload condition.
Claim 2 (similarly claim 18). Li shows the apparatus of claim 1, wherein to cause the apparatus to send the one or more indications, the one or more processors are configured to cause the apparatus to send the one or more indications to the second RAN ([0167]: capability information of the RAN 2 includes a DNN 2 and a cell identifier of a cell 1, indicating that the LADN 2 uses a cell as a granularity and that the cell (cell 1) of the RAN 2 supports an LADN corresponding to the DNN 2).
Claim 3 (similarly claim 19). Li shows the apparatus of claim 2, wherein the apparatus information comprises the capability information (see claim 2).
Claim 4. Li shows the apparatus of claim 2, wherein: the apparatus information comprises the UE control plane assistance information ([0052]: a unified control plane network element may be decomposed into an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element and a session management function (SMF) network element; [0108]: a terminal device sends a session setup request message to an AMF network element by using a first RAN device); and the UE control plane assistance information comprises at least one of: a RAN configuration of the apparatus for the first RAN ([0202]: the radio access network device may be configured to perform operations of the first RAN device); or one or more RAN capabilities of the apparatus for the first RAN ([0167]: capability information of the RAN 1 includes a DNN 1, indicating that the RAN 1 supports an LADN 1 corresponding to the DNN 1).
Claim 5. Li shows the apparatus of claim 4, wherein: the UE control plane assistance information comprises the RAN configuration; and the RAN configuration comprises at least one of: a data radio bearer configuration of the apparatus for the first RAN (n/a); a carrier aggregation configuration of the apparatus for the first RAN (n/a); or the measurement configuration ([0158]: the measurement control information may include at least one of an object that needs to be measured; [0159]: the measurement report includes a candidate RAN device and a cell identifier within a coverage area of each RAN device in the candidate RAN devices).
Claim 6. Li shows the apparatus of claim 2, wherein the apparatus information comprises the measurement report ([0163]: after the first RAN device decides, based on the measurement report, to perform a handover for terminal device, the first RAN device first determines that the terminal device accesses the LADN by using a first session… the first RAN device determines whether there is a RAN device (for example, the second RAN device) whose capability information includes the network name in the candidate RAN devices).
Claim 7. Li shows the apparatus of claim 1, wherein: to send the one or more indications comprises to cause the apparatus to send the one or more indications, the one or more processors are configured to cause the apparatus to the first RAN ([0163]: after the first RAN device decides, based on the measurement report, to perform a handover for terminal device, the first RAN device first determines that the terminal device accesses the LADN by using a first session); and the apparatus information comprises the measurement report (see above).
Claim 8. Li shows the apparatus of claim 7, wherein the configuration information comprises: a connection establishment indication to connect to the second RAN ([0213] – [0214]: send a connection setup response message to the first RAN device, where the connection setup response message includes the capability information… the radio access network device may further implement other operations or functions of the second RAN device; [0217]: the communications apparatus completes setup of a connection to the RAN device).
Claim 9. Li shows the apparatus of claim 7, wherein the configuration information comprises: one or more suggested data sessions to move from the first RAN to the second RAN (pg. 10 TABLE 2; [0167]); or one or more suggested candidate cells of the second RAN (see above).
Claim 16. Li shows the apparatus of claim 1, wherein the configuration information comprises at least one of: a data radio bearer configuration of the apparatus for the second RAN (n/a); a carrier aggregation configuration of the apparatus for the second RAN (n/a); or a measurement configuration of the apparatus for the second RAN ([0158]: the measurement control information may include at least one of an object that needs to be measured; [0159]: the measurement report includes a candidate RAN device and a cell identifier within a coverage area of each RAN device in the candidate RAN devices – the candidate RAN device is the second RAN device).
---------- ---------- ----------
Claims 10 – 12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Li et al in view of Li et al in view of Lunardi et al, applied to claims 1 and 10, and in further view of Sarkas et al (US 2024/0090052 A1).
Claim 10. Li, modified by Lunardi, shows the apparatus of claim 1; Li, modified by Lunardi, does not expressly describe wherein the one or more processors are configured to cause the apparatus to: obtain an indication that the apparatus is not allowed to be connected to both the first RAN and the second RAN at the same time.Sarkas teaches feature of obtaining an indication that an apparatus is not allowed to be connected to both the first RAN and the second RAN at the same time ([0011]: the slot indication of the method is associated with non-simultaneous communications of the first radio access network and of the second radio access network).It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to implement the feature as taught by Sarkas in the apparatus of Li, modified by Lunardi, to save processing power.
Claim 11. Li, modified by Lunardi and Sarkas, shows the apparatus of claim 10, wherein to cause the apparatus to obtain the indication, the one or more processors are configured to cause the apparatus to obtain the indication in one or more of a system information message or a dedicated radio resource control message (Sarkas, [0011]: the frequency modulated carrier waveform during a dedicated sensing time after outputting the carrier signal).
Claim 12. Li, modified by Lunardi and Sarkas, shows the apparatus of claim 10, wherein to cause the apparatus to obtain the indication, the one or more processors are configured to cause the apparatus to obtain the indication as part of a policy configuration (see claim 10 – the “slot indication” is a policy configuration as it takes into account of a first and a second frequency spectrum).
---------- ---------- ----------
Claim 13 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Li et al in view of Li et al in view of Lunardi et al and Sarkas et al, applied to claim 10, and in further view of Liu (US 2021/0014176 A1).
Claim 13. Li, modified by Lunardi and Sarkas, shows the apparatus of claim 10; Li, modified by Lunardi and Sarkas, does not expressly describe wherein to cause the apparatus to obtain the indication, the one or more processors are configured to cause the apparatus to obtain the indication from a core network (CN) policy management node.Liu teaches feature of a CN policy management node (fig. 1 and [0068]: a policy function module is also configured in the core network for policy management).It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to implement the CN policy management node as taught by Liu in the apparatus of Li, modified by Lunardi and Sarkas, to improve operational efficiency, reduced misconfigurations, faster (5G) service deployment, and granular traffic control.
---------- ---------- ----------
Claims 14 and 15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Li et al in view of Lunardi et al, applied to claims 1 and 14, and in further view of Gaal et al (US 2019/0363866 A1).
Claim 14. Li shows the apparatus of claim 1; Li does not expressly describe wherein the one or more processors are configured to cause the apparatus to: obtain an indication of one or more conditions to satisfy for the apparatus to be allowed to be connected to both the first RAN and the second RAN at the same time.Gaal teaches feature of obtaining an indication of one or more conditions to satisfy for an apparatus to be allowed to be connected to both a first RAN and a second RAN at the same time ([0072]: the UE may provide an indication of UE capabilities… a capability for dynamic sharing between the different RANs of the DC connection… the UE may be a dual transmitter UE that is capable of concurrent transmissions on both the first RAN and the second RAN).It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to implement the feature as taught by Gaal in the apparatus of Li to facilitate dynamic sharing between different RANs.
Claim 15. Li, modified by Gaal, shows the apparatus of claim 14, wherein the one or more conditions comprise at least one of: one or more measurement-related conditions associated with the first RAN (Gaal, [0055]: different spatial layers may be associated with different antenna ports used for channel measurement and reporting); or one or more user plane-related conditions associated with the first RAN (Gaal, [0058]: in the control plane, the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol layer may provide establishment, configuration, and maintenance of an RRC connection between a UE and a base station or core network supporting radio bearers for user plane data).
========== ========== ==========
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments filed 25th June 2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
The examiner disagrees with the arguments, however, applied new prior art, Lunardi (see above), to further clarify the rejections – specifically, Li and Lunardi describe different, e.g. first and second, RANs.
---------- ---------- ----------
Conclusion
The prior art made of record is considered pertinent to applicant’s disclosure.
1. Engstrӧm et al, US 2015/0245260 A1: a method for assisting in the updating of neighbor cell information in a radio communications system, the radio communications system comprising a first control node controlling at least one cell of a first radio access network RAN1, and a second network control node controlling at least one cell of a second radio access network RAN2. The method comprises: transmitting, from the first network control node to the second network control node, a signal comprising a first cell identity CI1 of a newly introduced cell when a cell has been newly introduced to the first radio access network RAN1; receiving, by the second network control node, the signal comprising the first cell identity CI1 of the newly introduced cell; and in response thereto transmitting, by the second network control node to at least one user equipment, UE, associated with the second radio access network RAN2, a signal comprising the received first cell identity CI1 of the newly introduced cell as well as a request to the at least one UE associated with the second radio access network to search for the newly introduced cell by using said first cell identity CI1.
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 Xavier Szewai Wong whose telephone number is 571.270.1780. The examiner can normally be reached on 11:30 am - 8:30 pm Mon to Fri.
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, Jeffrey Rutkowski can be reached on 571.270.1215. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/XAVIER S WONG/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2415 11th September 2026
Prosecution Insights