DETAILED ACTION
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 .
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 Objections
Claims 10, 13, and 25 are objected to because of the following informalities:
Claim 10, line 4, “non-periodic reporting;” should be “non-periodic reporting; or”.
Claim 13, line 4, “time difference of arrival reporting;” should be “time difference of arrival reporting; or”.
Claim 25, lines 1-2, “is configured to” should be “is further configured to”.
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 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.
(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 1-15, 18, 19, and 24-26 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Thomas et al. (US 2023/0262648 A1) which is a provisional application No. 63/046,527, filed on June 30, 2020, hereinafter “Thomas”.
Thomas illustrates a wireless communication system 100 in Figure 1 for performing energy efficient positioning, comprising: at least one remote unit 105, a radio access network (RAN) 120, and a mobile core network 140. The RAN 120 and the mobile core network 140 form a mobile communication network. The RAN 120 may be composed of a base unit 121 (one or more base units or gNBs are shown in Figure 3) with which the remote unit 105 communicates using wireless communication links 123.
Figure 16 depicts a user equipment apparatus 1600 comprising: a processor 1605; a memory 1610; an input device 1615; an output device 1620; and a transceiver 1625. The user equipment apparatus 1600 may be one embodiment of the remote unit 105 shown on Figure 1.
Figure 17 depicts a network apparatus 1700 comprising: a processor 1705; a memory 1710; an input device 1715; an output device 1720; and a transceiver 1725. The network apparatus 1700 may be one implementation of the base unit 121 shown in Figure 1.
Figure 18 depicts one embodiment of a method 1800 for performing energy efficient positioning performed by the user equipment device in the mobile communication network of Figure 1, such as the remote unit 105. The method 1800 comprises the step 1805 of receiving a location information request message containing a measurement configuration and a UE autonomous release indication; the step 1815 of performing positioning measurement according to the measurement configuration; the step 1815 of transmitting a positioning report to an LMF; and the step 1820 of transmitting a UE Autonomous Release signal to a RAN node in response to transmitting the positioning report.
Regarding claim 18, Thomas illustrates a communication device (the remote unit or user equipment 105, such as the user equipment apparatus 1600 shown in Figure 16), comprising: a processor (1605) and a memory (1610) having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the processor is configured to executes the computer program to: receive first indication information (a location information request message, step 1805) from a network (the mobile communication network including the radio access network 120 and the mobile core network 140 of Figure 1), the first indication information comprising at least one positioning status identity (ID) (the ID#1 or the ID#2 shown in Figure 3) and determine a positioning configuration (the measurement configuration) corresponding to the at least one positioning status ID, and perform positioning measurement (positioning measurement) and reporting (positioning report) according to the positioning configuration (par. [0275] and claim 1).
Regarding claim 1, claim 1 is a method claim, and the claim features recited in claim 1 are similar to the claim features recited in the apparatus claim 18 for the similar reasons described in claim 18 above.
Regarding the dependent claims 2 and 24, as described in at least paragraph [0169], the UE autonomous release indication using MAC CE signaling.
Regarding the dependent claims 3 and 25, as described in at least paragraphs [0101], [0103]-[0105], [0108], [0116], [0117], [0129], [0132], [0166], [0242], [0242], [0290], and [0292], wherein determining the positioning configuration corresponding to the at least one positioning status ID comprises: receiving second indication information (the second configuration includes a first sub-configuration for devices in an RRC idle state and a second sub-configuration for devices in an RRC inactive state, par [0242]), wherein the second indication information comprises the positioning configuration corresponding to the positioning status ID, and the second indication information is indicated by at least one of: a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling or a New Radio Positioning Protocol (NRPPa) signaling.
Regarding claims 4 and 26, wherein the positioning configuration inherently comprises all three elements: positioning reference signal (PRS) configuration information (defining resources, periodicity, and mapping); configuration information of a measurement gap (timing for UE to measure non-serving cells); and configuration information of positioning result reporting (defining how results like RSTD or RSRP are sent to the network). These are essential for UE-based or network-based positioning in 5G NR. These components are typically or inherently bundled together in the positioning protocol (e.g., LPP) to ensure accurate location calculation.
PRS Configuration: Defines the time-frequency resources (Kcomb
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, periodicity) the UE uses to measure signals.
Measurement Gap Configuration: Specifies when the UE must suspend other tasks to measure PRS, particularly for non-serving cells.
Positioning Reporting Configuration: Determines how and when the UE reports measurements (e.g., RSTD, RSRP) to the location server.
Further, at least the positioning reference signal (PRS), such the positioning measurement comprises a configuration for reduced power positioning technique or a configuration for measuring fewer Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) resources per resource set or configuring fewer Transmission-Reception Points (TRPs) to be measured recited in claim 28.
Regarding claim 5, PRS configuration information in 5G NR (3GPP) inherently includes and applies to both PRS ID information and PRS periodic information as part of a comprehensive definition of how the signal is transmitted.
Application to PRS ID Information: The configuration includes the sequence ID, which is crucial for generating the specific PRS sequence for identification and measurement, along with resource IDs.
Application to PRS Periodic Information: The configuration specifies the periodicity (TPRS)
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, slot offsets, and repetition factors, which determine when the UE should listen for the signal.
Regarding claim 6, In 5G NR, the PRS ID information primarily and inherently applies to at least the PRS resource set ID configuration information, as it is used to uniquely define and associate with multiple PRS resource sets, which in turn hold individual PRS resource IDs.
Regarding claim 7, Based on 3GPP positioning standards, Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) configuration information inherently applies to all three transmission types: periodic, semi-persistent, and non-periodic/aperiodic, as they are designed to support flexible, on-demand, or scheduled positioning measurement sessions.
Periodic Transmission: The PRS parameters (periodicity, frequency layer, comb size) are fully defined in the initial configuration (via RRC signaling) and transmit continuously.
Semi-Persistent Transmission: Similar to periodic, the parameters are pre-configured, but transmission is triggered by MAC-CE, which activates or deactivates the sequence.
Aperiodic/On-Demand Transmission: Parameters are defined via high-layer signaling (RRC), but the transmission is triggered explicitly on-demand by Downlink Control Information (DCI).
Regarding claim 8, configuration information of the measurement gap in wireless communication systems (LTE/5G NR) inherently comprises: cycle configuration (periodicity) information of the measurement gap; starting position (offset) configuration information of the measurement gap; or duration (length) configuration information of the measurement gap. These parameters are essential for the user equipment (UE) to know when to stop transmitting/receiving to perform inter-frequency measurements.
Key components of the measurement gap configuration typically include:
Measurement Gap Repetition Period (MGRP/Cycle): Specifies how often the measurement gap pattern repeats (e.g., 40ms, 80ms).
Gap Offset/Starting Position: Defines the specific starting subframe or slot for the gap.
Measurement Gap Length (MGL/Duration): Defines the duration of the gap, such as 6 ms in LTE, allowing time for RF reconfiguration.
Target Frequency/Measurement Object: Indicates the carrier frequency to be measured.
Regarding claim 9, configuration information for positioning result reporting in wireless networks (such as 5G NR) typically or inherently comprises a combination of these elements: periodic/aperiodic configuration, reporting type (e.g., beam-based, location-based), and specific physical channel resources, such as physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) configured for conveying results.
Periodic/Aperiodic Configuration: Defines when and how often the UE reports positioning results.
Type Configuration: Specifies the content or format of the report (e.g., specific measurement results, beam information).
Channel Configuration: Defines the PUCCH resources (for smaller, periodic reports) or PUSCH resources (for larger, data-heavy reports) dedicated for transferring the information to the network.
Regarding claim 10, The configuration information for positioning result reporting typically or inherently encompasses all three types of periodic, non-periodic, and semi-persistent porting mechanisms in wireless communication standards (e.g., 3GPP for 5G NR, where positioning is a key feature):
Configuration information of periodic reporting: For regular, scheduled reports.
Configuration information of non-periodic (aperiodic) reporting: For reports triggered on demand or by a specific event.
Configuration information of semi-persistent reporting: For reports that are configured once but recur in a pre-defined pattern until explicitly canceled.
The specific implementation and terminology can vary by standard and vendor, but the overall framework often accommodates these three modes to provide flexibility for different operational needs, as seen with Channel State Information (CSI) reporting in 5G NR.
Regarding claim 11, based on modern wireless communication and 5G positioning standards, the type configuration information of a reporting result often inherently comprises the elements including: configuration information of angle information reporting; configuration information of time information reporting; configuration information of signal strength reporting, wherein the configuration information of signal strength reporting comprises configuration information of reference signal receiving power reporting; or configuration information of phase reporting, wherein the configuration information of phase reporting comprises configuration information of at least one of signal phase reporting or carrier phase reporting of a reference signal. Such configurations, commonly managed via RRC signaling, define how a User Equipment (UE) reports measurement results for location or channel state information (CSI).
Specifically, the configuration typically includes:
Angle Information Reporting: Configuration for measuring and reporting angles, such as Angle of Departure (AoD) or Angle of Arrival (AoA).
Time Information Reporting: Configuration for time-based metrics, such as Timing Advance (TA), Round Trip Time (RTT), or Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA).
Signal Strength Reporting: Configuration for reporting signal strength, explicitly comprising Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP), and often Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ).
Phase Reporting: Configuration for reporting phase information, which includes at least one of signal phase reporting or carrier phase reporting of a reference signal (e.g., CSI-RS).
These components enable comprehensive measurement reporting for scenarios such as beam management and 5G NR indoor positioning.
Regarding claim 12, The context of advanced wireless communication systems (like 5G and beyond), where angle information reporting is a sophisticated feature involving a variety of specific angle measurements and coordinate systems.
In these systems, the configuration information of angle information reporting typically or inherently comprises at least one, or a combination, of the following:
Configuration information of angle-of-arrival reporting: Specifies how the angle at which a signal reaches a receiving device is measured and reported.
Configuration information of angle-of-departure reporting: Specifies how the angle at which a signal leaves a transmitting device is measured and reported.
Configuration information of horizontal angle reporting: Focuses on the azimuth angle, which is a key component in 2D or 3D spatial reporting.
Configuration information of vertical angle reporting: Focuses on the elevation angle, essential for 3D beam management and positioning.
Configuration information of local coordinate system-based angle reporting: Involves angles measured relative to a specific device or a defined local reference point.
Configuration information of global coordinate system-based angle reporting: Involves angles measured relative to a standardized, universal reference system (e.g., Earth-Centered, Earth-Fixed coordinates).
These specific reporting configurations are crucial for enabling advanced functionalities like accurate localization, beamforming optimization, and enhanced network performance in modern communication standards.
Regarding claim 13, based on 3GPP positioning standards (such as TS 38.300), configuration information for time information reporting typically or inherently encompasses Time of Arrival (TOA), Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), and Round Trip Time (RTT) reporting. These techniques are used to calculate location by analyzing the time it takes signals to travel between devices.
Time of Arrival (TOA) (or Time of Flight/Time Difference of Arrival - TDOA): Involves reporting the absolute time a signal arrives at a receiver or the difference in arrival times between multiple receivers to calculate position.
Round Trip Time (RTT): Involves measuring the total time for a signal to travel from a transmitter to a receiver and back, which is used to calculate distance.
Configuration Information: This encompasses parameters required for these measurements, such as reference signal configuration, timing resource allocation, and measurement reporting intervals.
Therefore, the configuration information of time information reporting fundamentally incorporates elements that define how these time-based metrics (TOA, TDOA, RTT) are measured and reported by the User Equipment (UE) or Network (gNB).
Regarding claim 14, the operation of a positioning measurement method is performed in the reverse operation of claim 1 or the apparatus claim 18 described above, performed by a network device (network apparatus 1700 of Figure 1 is shown in Figure 17), comprising: sending first indication information (a location information request message, step 1805 of Figure 18) to a terminal (the remote unit or user equipment 105, such as the user equipment apparatus 1600 shown in Figure 16), wherein the first indication information comprises at least one positioning status identity (ID) (the ID#1 or the ID#2 shown in Figure 3), and the at least one positioning status ID corresponds to at least one positioning configuration (the measurement configuration); and receiving positioning report information (positioning report 127 of Figure 1) fed back by the terminal.
Regarding claim 15, similar to claims 3 and 25 discussed above, the method of claim 14, further comprising: sending second indication information to the terminal, wherein the second indication information comprises the positioning configuration corresponding to the positioning status ID, and the second indication information is indicated by at least one of: a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling or a New Radio Positioning Protocol (NRPPa) signaling.
Regarding claim 19, as shown in Figure 17, a communication device (the network apparatus 1700 of Figure 1 is shown in Figure 17), comprising a processor (1705) and a memory (1710) having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method of claim 14.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
YERRAMALLI et al. relates to a method of operating a serving base station (BS) comprising: transmitting, to a user equipment (UE), a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) communication configured to trigger a partial random access channel (RACH) procedure; and receiving, from the UE in response to the PDCCH communication, a RACH transmission.
Li et al. relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5G communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4G system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The method for positioning, which includes sending a positioning information request by a first entity to one or more second entities, receiving positioning information response by the first entity. In addition, the disclosure further relates to the method for positioning, which includes sending a request message related to positioning by a first entity to a second entity, and receiving a response message from a second entity by the first entity.
MICHALOPOULOS et al. relates to a method comprising: receiving a request by a first device from a second device; and in response to receiving the request, transmitting by the first device location information regarding a location of the first device to the second device, where the request is received by the first device with a MAC control element and/or the location information is transmitted by the first device with another MAC control element.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Young T. Tse whose telephone number is (571)272-3051. The examiner can normally be reached Mon-Fri 10:30am-7pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Chieh M Fan can be reached at 571-272-3042. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/Young T. Tse/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2632