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 .
Election/Restrictions
Applicant's election with traverse of Species A in the reply filed on 5-7-26 is acknowledged. The traversal is on the ground(s) that “Applicant respectfully submits that the Restriction Requirement has not established that the alleged species are independent or distinct inventions, but rather appear to be variations within the same inventive concept. The examiner acknowledges that certain claims are common to all alleged species, and the remaining claims recite alternative or additional features. Therefore, Applicant respectfully submits that the allegations fall short of establishing a proper election requirement under M.P.E.P. § 806.04”.
-This is not found persuasive because Species A, B, C, D, E and F are related as subcombinations disclosed as usable together in a single combination. The subcombinations are distinct if they do not overlap in scope and are not obvious variants, and if it is shown that at least one subcombination is separately usable. In the instant case, subcombinations A, B, C, D, E and F have separate utilities such as Species A of Claims 1-2, 5, 7, 17, 20, 22-23 & 29-30 and 3, 19a (range), directed to “a user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising: a memory; and one or more processors, coupled to the memory, configured to: receive coordination information for sidelink communication in a distributed scheduling mode; select, in the distributed scheduling mode, a value for a sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on the coordination information; and transmit a sidelink communication using the value of the sidelink communication parameter that is selected based at least in part on the coordination information {Claim 1}; wherein the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or sidelink procedures are enabled or disabled {Claims 5 & 17}; wherein the coordination information indicates a range of permitted values for the sidelink communication parameter, and wherein the value for the sidelink communication parameter is selected within the range of permitted values {Claims 3, 19a (range)},” classified in CPC H04W 4/02; which does not require the method as highlighted in bold text in the following species B-F:
-Species B of Claims 1-2, 5, 7, 17, 20, 22-23 & 29-30 and 4, 19b & 32 (pattern), directed to “a user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising: a memory; and one or more processors, coupled to the memory, configured to: receive coordination information for sidelink communication in a distributed scheduling mode; select, in the distributed scheduling mode, a value for a sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on the coordination information; and transmit a sidelink communication using the value of the sidelink communication parameter that is selected based at least in part on the coordination information {Claim 1}; wherein the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or sidelink procedures are enabled or disabled {Claims 5 & 17}; wherein the coordination information indicates a pattern or sequence of values for the sidelink communication parameter and indicates information related to when to apply each value in the pattern or sequence of values {Claims 4; 19b (pattern)},” classified in CPC H01H 2203/044;
-Species C of Claims 1-2, 5, 7, 17, 20, 22-23 & 29-30 and 6, 8, 14, 21, directed to “a user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising: a memory; and one or more processors, coupled to the memory, configured to: receive coordination information for sidelink communication in a distributed scheduling mode; select, in the distributed scheduling mode, a value for a sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on the coordination information; and transmit a sidelink communication using the value of the sidelink communication parameter that is selected based at least in part on the coordination information {Claim 1} wherein the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or sidelink procedures are enabled or disabled {Claims 5 & 17}; wherein the coordination information indicates that the sidelink communication parameter is not subject to coordination in the distributed scheduling mode, and wherein the value for the sidelink communication parameter is autonomously selected based at least in part on the coordination information indicating that the sidelink communication parameter is not subject to coordination in the distributed scheduling mode {Claims 6, 14, 21},” classified in CPC H04W 72/115;
-Species D of Claims 1-2, 5, 7, 17, 20, 22-23 & 29-30 and 9-10, 24-26, directed to “a user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising: a memory; and one or more processors, coupled to the memory, configured to: receive coordination information for sidelink communication in a distributed scheduling mode; select, in the distributed scheduling mode, a value for a sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on the coordination information; and transmit a sidelink communication using the value of the sidelink communication parameter that is selected based at least in part on the coordination information {Claim 1} wherein the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or sidelink procedures are enabled or disabled {Claims 5 & 17}; wherein the coordination information is associated with one or more restrictions, and wherein the value for the sidelink communication parameter is selected based at least in part on a determination that the one or more restrictions associated with the coordination information are satisfied {Claims 9, 24 & 26}; wherein the one or more restrictions include the UE having a subscription to a sidelink parameter coordination service, the UE requesting inclusion in the sidelink parameter coordination service, the UE having a location within a geographical area, or the sidelink communication being associated with one or more sidelink applications {Claims 10 & 25},” classified in CPC H04W 4/40;
-Species E of Claims 1-2, 5, 7, 17, 20, 22-23 & 29-30 and 11-13, 27-28, directed to “a user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising: a memory; and one or more processors, coupled to the memory, configured to: receive coordination information for sidelink communication in a distributed scheduling mode; select, in the distributed scheduling mode, a value for a sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on the coordination information; and transmit a sidelink communication using the value of the sidelink communication parameter that is selected based at least in part on the coordination information {Claim 1}; wherein the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or sidelink procedures are enabled or disabled {Claims 5 & 17}; wherein the value for the sidelink communication parameter is selected according to the coordination information based at least in part on determining that a validity period associated with the coordination information has not elapsed {Claims 11 & 27}; wherein the validity period ends when a timer expires, after an interval has elapsed, when the coordination information is updated, or after the coordination information has been applied according to a specified schedule {Claims 12 & 28b}; wherein the validity period starts when the coordination information is received or a specified time after the coordination information is received {Claims 13 & 28a},” classified in CPC H04W 36/249;
-Species F of Claims 1-2, 5, 7, 17, 20, 22-23 & 29-30 and 15-16, directed to “a user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising: a memory; and one or more processors, coupled to the memory, configured to: receive coordination information for sidelink communication in a distributed scheduling mode; select, in the distributed scheduling mode, a value for a sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on the coordination information; and transmit a sidelink communication using the value of the sidelink communication parameter that is selected based at least in part on the coordination information {Claim 1}; wherein the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or sidelink procedures are enabled or disabled {Claims 5 & 17}; wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: select, in the distributed scheduling mode, an updated value for the sidelink communication parameter according to a fallback value based at least in part on determining that a restriction associated with the coordination information is not satisfied or that a validity period associated with the coordination information has elapsed {Claim 15}; wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: select, in the distributed scheduling mode, an updated value for the sidelink communication parameter according to values that other UEs are using for the sidelink communication parameter, based at least in part on determining that a restriction associated with the coordination information is not satisfied or that a validity period associated with the coordination information has elapsed {Claim 16},” classified in CPC H04W 41/508.
The requirement is still deemed proper and is therefore made FINAL.
Claims 4, 6, 8-14, 16, 18, 21, 24-26, 32 & 35-36 are withdrawn from further consideration pursuant to 37 CFR 1.142(b), as being drawn to a nonelected species, there being no allowable generic or linking claim. Applicant timely traversed the restriction (election) requirement in the reply filed on 5-7-26.
Note that newly added claims 35-36 (Amendment 8-25-26) recite limitations similar to the non-elected species F of claims 15-16. Therefore, the newly added claims 35-36 are hereby withdrawn. Also, newly added claims 37-38 (Amendment 8-25-26) recite limitations similar to the elected species A of claims 5 & 7. Therefore, the newly added claims 37-38 are hereby rejoined to the elected species A.
Priority
Applicant’s claim for the benefit of a prior-filed application, PCT/US2022/076396 filed 9-14-22, under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) or under 35 U.S.C. 120, 121, 365(c), or 386(c) is acknowledged.
Acknowledgment is made of applicant’s claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 (a)-(d). The certified copy has been filed in parent Application No. GR20210100747 filed 10-29-21.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 2-14-24. The submission is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Drawings
The drawings were received on 7-21-23. These drawings are acceptable.
Specification
The lengthy specification has not been checked to the extent necessary to determine the presence of all possible minor errors. Applicant’s cooperation is requested in correcting any errors of which applicant may become aware in the specification.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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.
Claim(s) 1-2, 5, 7, 17, 20, 22-23, 29-30 & 37-38 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1-2) as being anticipated by Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1).
Regarding Claim 1. (Currently Amended)
A user equipment (UE){Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): UE 100, 200 in Figs.1-4 & claim 10} for wireless communication, comprising:
one or more memories {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): memory 104-Fig.4 & claim 10: at least one memory}; and
one or more processors {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): processor 102-Fig.4 & claim 10: at least one processor}, coupled to the one or more memories, configured to:
receive coordination information for sidelink communication in a distributed scheduling mode {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): s1200-Fig.12 & ¶0265-¶0275, e.g. [0265] In step S1200, the TX UE may receive system information}, wherein the coordination information indicates a range of permitted values for a sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on a minimum threshold value and a maximum threshold value {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): ¶0266 & ¶0269, e.g. [0266] Upon receiving the system information, the TX UE may be configured with one or more pools of resources on a carrier. The number of HARQ processes (or sidelink processes which can be interchangeably with the HARQ processes below) and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions may be configured for each of pools of resources on the carrier. The number of HARQ processes and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions may be configured with the maximum number of HARQ processes and/or the maximum number of HARQ retransmissions for one or more logical channels. [0267] In some implementations, the pool of resources may be used for either uplink or sidelink transmission; ¶0275 wherein the number of HARQ process is 4 (the claimed max value) and the number of HARQ retransmissions is 8 (the claimed max value) for a specific pool of resources which is configured by the system information received in step S1200; In other words, the minimum value of 1 is inherent in the maximum value, emphasis added. Also, see s1208 in Fig.12};
select, in the distributed scheduling mode and from the range of permitted values, a value for the sidelink communication parameter {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): s1202-Fig.12 & ¶0276-¶0290, e.g. [0276] In step s1202, the TX UE may trigger a TX resource (re-)selection. If data is available for a logical channel, the TX UE may select or reselects one or more of the configured pools of resources on the carrier for the logical channel Also, see s1210 in Fig.12}; and
transmit a sidelink communication using the value of the sidelink communication parameter that is selected based at least in part on the coordination information {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): s1204-Fig.12 & ¶0291-¶0293, e.g. [0291] In step S1204, the TX UE may perform autonomous transmission of data of the logical channel for each HARQ process up to the number of HARQ processes and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions by using the grant. [0293] the TX UE may perform sidelink (re-)transmission of TB1 on a selected resource for HARQ process ID = 1. Also, see s1212 in Fig.12}.
Regarding Claim 2. (Original) The UE of claim 1, wherein the coordination information indicates the value for the sidelink communication parameter {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): ¶0266 & ¶0269, e.g. [0266] Upon receiving the system information, the TX UE may be configured with one or more pools of resources on a carrier. The number of HARQ processes (or sidelink processes which can be interchangeably with the HARQ processes below) and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions may be configured for each of pools of resources on the carrier. The number of HARQ processes and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions may be configured with the maximum number of HARQ processes and/or the maximum number of HARQ retransmissions for one or more logical channels. [0267] In some implementations, the pool of resources may be used for either uplink or sidelink transmission” & ¶0275 wherein the number of HARQ process is 4 (the claimed max value) and the number of HARQ retransmissions is 8 (the claimed max value) for a specific pool of resources which is configured by the system information received in step S1200; In other words, the minimum value of 1 is inherent in the maximum value, emphasis added Also, see s1208 in Fig.12 }.
Regarding Claim 5. (Original) The UE of claim 1, wherein the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or sidelink procedures are enabled or disabled {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): ¶0280-wherein “if a sidelink logical channel configured with sl-HARQ-FeedbackEnabled set to disabled is allowed on more than one resource pool, the TX UE may select one resource pool where a sidelink logical channel configured with sl-HARQ-FeedbackEnabled set to enabled is not allowed and/or select one resource pool of which CBR is lower than CBR of any other resource pool”, also see ¶0311}.
Regarding Claim 7. (Original) The UE of claim 1, wherein the coordination information indicates one or more of an allowed combination of values or a disallowed combination of values for multiple sidelink communication parameters that are jointly used for the sidelink communication {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): ¶0280-wherein “if a sidelink logical channel configured with sl-HARQ-FeedbackEnabled set to disabled is allowed on more than one resource pool, the TX UE may select one resource pool where a sidelink logical channel configured with sl-HARQ-FeedbackEnabled set to enabled is not allowed and/or select one resource pool of which CBR is lower than CBR of any other resource pool”, also see ¶0311 & ¶0285-¶0289, e.g., [0285] the TX UE may determine the number of HARQ processes and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions based on one or more of the following criteria. [0286] A priority, e.g., a priority of the logical channel allowed for the corresponding pool of resources; [0287] CBR level(s) measured by the TX UE or indicated by the network; [0288] SL RSRP and/or DL RSRP measured by the TX UE; or [0289] QoS requirement of a logical channel allowed for the corresponding pool of resources; In other words, the priority, CBR levels, SL RSRP and/or DL RSRP or QoS requirement with the sl-HARQ-FeedbackEnabled are the claimed combination values}.
Regarding Claim 17. (Currently Amended)
-Claim 17 is rejected with the same reasons as set forth in claim 1, vice versa, and further as following:
A coordination node {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): Base Station 200-Figs.1-2 & 12, ¶0083 and claim 18} for wireless communication, comprising:
one or more memories {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): memory 204-Fig.2 & claim 18: at least one memory}; and
one or more processors {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): processor 202-Fig.2 & claim 18: at least one processor}, coupled to the one or more memories, configured to:
generate coordination information for sidelink communication in a distributed scheduling mode {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): step 1200-Fig.12 ): s1200-Fig.12 & ¶0265-¶0275, e.g. [0265] In step S1200, the TX UE may receive system information (from the base station, Fig.12, emphasis added)}, wherein the coordination information indicates a range of permitted values for a sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on a minimum threshold value and a maximum threshold value {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): ¶0266 & ¶0269, e.g. [0266] Upon receiving the system information, the TX UE may be configured with one or more pools of resources on a carrier. The number of HARQ processes (or sidelink processes which can be interchangeably with the HARQ processes below) and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions may be configured for each of pools of resources on the carrier. The number of HARQ processes and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions may be configured with the maximum number of HARQ processes and/or the maximum number of HARQ retransmissions for one or more logical channels. [0267] In some implementations, the pool of resources may be used for either uplink or sidelink transmission}; and
transmit the coordination information to one or more user equipments (UEs), wherein a value that the one or more UEs are to use for a sidelink communication parameter is included in the range of permitted values or the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or procedures are enabled or disabled {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): s1200-Fig.12 & ¶0277 & ¶0279, e.g. [0279] if a sidelink logical channel configured with sl-HARQ-FeedbackEnabled set to disabled is allowed on more than one resource pool, the TX UE may select one resource pool where a sidelink logical channel configured with sl-HARQ-FeedbackEnabled set to enabled is not allowed and/or select one resource pool of which CBR is lower than CBR of any other resource pool }.
Regarding Claim 20. (Original) The coordination node of claim 17, wherein the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or sidelink procedures are enabled or disabled.
-Claim 20 is rejected with the same reasons as set forth in claim 5.
Regarding Claim 22. (Original) The coordination node of claim 17, wherein the coordination information indicates one or more of an allowed combination of values or a disallowed combination of values for multiple sidelink communication parameters that are jointly used for a sidelink communication.
-Claim 22 is rejected with the same reasons as set forth in claim 7.
Regarding Claim 23. (Original) The coordination node of claim 17, wherein the coordination information indicates one or more conditions that the one or more UEs are to use to select the value for the sidelink communication {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): ¶0280-wherein “if a sidelink logical channel configured with sl-HARQ-FeedbackEnabled set to disabled is allowed on more than one resource pool, the TX UE may select one resource pool where a sidelink logical channel configured with sl-HARQ-FeedbackEnabled set to enabled is not allowed and/or select one resource pool of which CBR is lower than CBR of any other resource pool”, also see ¶0311 & ¶0285-¶0289, e.g., [0285] the TX UE may determine the number of HARQ processes and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions based on one or more of the following criteria. [0286] A priority, e.g., a priority of the logical channel allowed for the corresponding pool of resources; [0287] CBR level(s) measured by the TX UE or indicated by the network; [0288] SL RSRP and/or DL RSRP measured by the TX UE; or [0289] QoS requirement of a logical channel allowed for the corresponding pool of resources; In other words, the priority, CBR levels, SL RSRP and/or DL RSRP or QoS requirement with the sl-HARQ-FeedbackEnabled are the claimed one or more conditions}.
Regarding Claim 29. (Currently Amended)
-Claim 29 is rejected with the same reasons as set forth in claim 1.
A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising:
receiving coordination information for sidelink communication in a distributed scheduling mode, wherein the coordination information indicates a range of permitted values for a sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on a minimum threshold value and a maximum threshold value;
selecting, in the distributed scheduling mode and from the range of permitted values, a value for the sidelink communication parameter; and
transmitting a sidelink communication using the value of the sidelink communication parameter that is selected based at least in part on the coordination information.
Regarding Claim 30. (Currently Amended)
-Claim 30 is rejected with the same reasons as set forth in claim 17.
A method of wireless communication performed by a coordination node, comprising:
generating coordination information for sidelink communication in a distributed scheduling mode, wherein the coordination information indicates a range of permitted values for a sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on a minimum threshold value and a maximum threshold value; and
transmitting the coordination information to one or more user equipments (UEs), wherein a value that the one or more UEs are to use for a sidelink communication parameter or indicates is included in the range of permitted value or the coordination information whether one or more sidelink features or procedures are enabled or disabled.
Regarding Claim 37. (New) The method of claim 29, wherein the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or sidelink procedures are enabled or disabled.
-Claim 37 is rejected with the same reasons as set forth in claim 5.
Regarding Claim 38. (New) The method of claim 29, wherein the coordination information indicates one or more of an allowed combination of value or disallowed combination of value for multiple sidelink communication parameters that are jointly used for the sidelink communication.
-Claim 38 is rejected with the same reasons as set forth in claim 7.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
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 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, 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.
Claim(s) 1-2, 5, 7, 17, 20, 22- 23, 29-30 & 37-38 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Lin (US 2019/0246385 A1) in view of Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1).
Regarding Claim 1. (Currently Amended)
A user equipment (UE) {Lin (US 2019/0246385 A1): Tx UE 720-Fig.6} for wireless communication, comprising:
one or more memories; and
one or more processors, coupled to the one or more memories, configured to:
receive coordination information for sidelink communication in a distributed scheduling mode (mode 2) {Lin (US 2019/0246385 A1): step 715-Fig.6 & ¶0134}, wherein the coordination information indicates a range of permitted values for the sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on a minimum threshold value and a maximum threshold value;
select, in the distributed scheduling mode and from the range of permitted values, a value for a sidelink communication parameter {Lin (US 2019/0246385 A1): steps 724-725 in Fig.6 & ¶0135}; and
transmit a sidelink communication using the value of the sidelink communication parameter that is selected based at least in part on the coordination information {Lin (US 2019/0246385 A1): steps 726-727 in Fig.6 & ¶0137}.
Lin does not explicitly the UE comprising one or more memories; and one or more processors, coupled to the one or more memories, wherein the coordination information indicates a range of permitted values for the sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on a minimum threshold value and a maximum threshold value, and select, from the range of permitted values, a value for a sidelink communication parameter.
However, in the same field of endeavor, of Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1) discloses the UE comprising one or more memories {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): memory 104-Fig.4 & claim 10: at least one memory}; and one or more processors {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): processor 102-Fig.4 & claim 10: at least one processor}, coupled to the one or more memories {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): memory 104-Fig.4 coupled to processor 102-Fig.4 & claim 10}, wherein the coordination information indicates a range of permitted values for the sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on a minimum threshold value and a maximum threshold value {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): ¶0266 & ¶0269, e.g. [0266] Upon receiving the system information, the TX UE may be configured with one or more pools of resources on a carrier. The number of HARQ processes (or sidelink processes which can be interchangeably with the HARQ processes below) and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions may be configured for each of pools of resources on the carrier. The number of HARQ processes and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions may be configured with the maximum number of HARQ processes and/or the maximum number of HARQ retransmissions for one or more logical channels. [0267] In some implementations, the pool of resources may be used for either uplink or sidelink transmission; ¶0275 wherein the number of HARQ process is 4 (the claimed max value) and the number of HARQ retransmissions is 8 (the claimed max value) for a specific pool of resources which is configured by the system information received in step S1200; In other words, the minimum value of 1 is inherent in the maximum value, emphasis added. Also, see s1208 in Fig.12}, and select, from the range of permitted values, a value for a sidelink communication parameter {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): s1202-Fig.12 & ¶0276-¶0290, e.g. [0276] In step s1202, the TX UE may trigger a TX resource (re-)selection. If data is available for a logical channel, the TX UE may select or reselects one or more of the configured pools of resources on the carrier for the logical channel Also, see s1210 in Fig.12}.
Therefore, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to Lee’s teaching to Lin’s system with the motivation “to reduce user and provider costs, improve service quality, and expand and improve coverage and system capacity”{Lee: ¶0002}, to “assign to a single selected sidelink grant to facilitate mixed mode operation between one configured sidelink grant and one selected sidelink grant”{Lee: ¶0012}, being for a UE to “partially or fully reselect resources for either one or more of the HARQ processes, in particular when the UE determines the number of HARQ processes and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions based on the QoS requirement or channel quality”{Lee: ¶0014}.
Regarding Claim 2. (Original) The UE of claim 1, wherein the coordination information indicates the value for the sidelink communication parameter {Lin (US 2019/0246385 A1): step 741-Fig.6 & ¶0131 and step 715-Fig.6 & ¶0134 wherein the generated trigger is the claimed coordination information to indicate the UE to use mode 2 pool, emphasis added}.
Regarding Claim 5. (Original) The UE of claim 1, wherein the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or sidelink procedures are enabled or disabled {Lin (US 2019/0246385 A1): step 741-Fig.6 & ¶0131 and step 715-Fig.6 & ¶0134 wherein the generated trigger is the claimed coordination information to indicate the UE to use mode 2 pool, which is not congested or available/enable for transmission instead of mode 1, which is congested or unavailable/disable for transmission, emphasis added}.
Regarding Claim 7. (Original) With the same reasons as set forth in the UE of claim 1, wherein the coordination information indicates one or more of an allowed combination of values or a disallowed combination of values for multiple sidelink communication parameters that are jointly used for the sidelink communication. {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): ¶0280-wherein “if a sidelink logical channel configured with sl-HARQ-FeedbackEnabled set to disabled is allowed on more than one resource pool, the TX UE may select one resource pool where a sidelink logical channel configured with sl-HARQ-FeedbackEnabled set to enabled is not allowed and/or select one resource pool of which CBR is lower than CBR of any other resource pool”, also see ¶0311 & ¶0285-¶0289, e.g., [0285] the TX UE may determine the number of HARQ processes and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions based on one or more of the following criteria. [0286] A priority, e.g., a priority of the logical channel allowed for the corresponding pool of resources; [0287] CBR level(s) measured by the TX UE or indicated by the network; [0288] SL RSRP and/or DL RSRP measured by the TX UE; or [0289] QoS requirement of a logical channel allowed for the corresponding pool of resources; In other words, the priority, CBR levels, SL RSRP and/or DL RSRP or QoS requirement with the sl-HARQ-FeedbackEnabled are the claimed combination values}.
Regarding Claim 17. (Currently Amended)
-Claim 17 is rejected with the same reasons as set forth in claim 1, vice versa, and further as following:
A coordination node {Lin (US 2019/0246385 A1): Base Station 710-Fig.6} for wireless communication, comprising:
one or more memories; and
one or more processors, coupled to the one or more memories, configured to:
generate coordination information for sidelink communication in a distributed scheduling mode {Lin (US 2019/0246385 A1): steps 741 & 715-Fig.6 and ¶0131 wherein the BS generates sidelink resource measurement trigger to indicate that the UE to use mode 2 pool}, wherein the coordination information indicates a range of permitted values for a sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on a minimum threshold value and a maximum threshold value; and
transmit the coordination information to one or more user equipments (UEs), wherein the coordination information indicates a value that the one or more UEs are to use for a sidelink communication parameter is included in the range of permitted value or the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or procedures are enabled or disabled {Lin (US 2019/0246385 A1): steps 741 & 715-Fig.6 and ¶0131 wherein the BS transmits the generated sidelink resource measurement trigger to indicate that the UE to use mode 2 pool Fig.6}.
Lin does not explicitly the coordination node comprising one or more memories; and one or more processors, coupled to the one or more memories, wherein the coordination information indicates a range of permitted values for the sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on a minimum threshold value and a maximum threshold value, and wherein the coordination information indicates a value that the one or more UEs are to use for a sidelink communication parameter is included in the range of permitted value or the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or procedures are enabled or disabled.
However, in the same field of endeavor, Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1) discloses the coordination node {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): Base Station 200-Figs.1-2 & 12, ¶0083 and claim 18} comprising one or more memories {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): memory 204-Fig.2 & claim 18: at least one memory}; and one or more processors {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): processor 202-Fig.2 & claim 18: at least one processor}, coupled to the one or more memories, wherein the coordination information indicates a range of permitted values for the sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on a minimum threshold value and a maximum threshold value {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): ¶0266 & ¶0269, e.g. [0266] Upon receiving the system information, the TX UE may be configured with one or more pools of resources on a carrier. The number of HARQ processes (or sidelink processes which can be interchangeably with the HARQ processes below) and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions may be configured for each of pools of resources on the carrier. The number of HARQ processes and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions may be configured with the maximum number of HARQ processes and/or the maximum number of HARQ retransmissions for one or more logical channels. [0267] In some implementations, the pool of resources may be used for either uplink or sidelink transmission}, wherein the coordination information indicates a value that the one or more UEs are to use for a sidelink communication parameter is included in the range of permitted value or the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or procedures are enabled or disabled {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): s1200-Fig.12 & ¶0277 & ¶0279, e.g. [0279] if a sidelink logical channel configured with sl-HARQ-FeedbackEnabled set to disabled is allowed on more than one resource pool, the TX UE may select one resource pool where a sidelink logical channel configured with sl-HARQ-FeedbackEnabled set to enabled is not allowed and/or select one resource pool of which CBR is lower than CBR of any other resource pool}.
Therefore, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to Lee’s teaching to Lin’s system with the motivation “to reduce user and provider costs, improve service quality, and expand and improve coverage and system capacity”{Lee: ¶0002}, to “assign to a single selected sidelink grant to facilitate mixed mode operation between one configured sidelink grant and one selected sidelink grant”{Lee: ¶0012}, being for a UE to “partially or fully reselect resources for either one or more of the HARQ processes, in particular when the UE determines the number of HARQ processes and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions based on the QoS requirement or channel quality”{Lee: ¶0014}.
Regarding Claim 20 (5). (Original) The coordination node of claim 17, wherein the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or sidelink procedures are enabled or disabled.
-Claim 20 is rejected with the same reasons as set forth in claim 5.
Regarding Claim 22 (7). (Original) The coordination node of claim 17, wherein the coordination information indicates one or more of an allowed combination of values or a disallowed combination of values for multiple sidelink communication parameters that are jointly used for a sidelink communication.
-Claim 22 is rejected with the same reasons as set forth in claim 7.
Regarding Claim 23. (Original) The coordination node of claim 17, wherein the coordination information indicates one or more conditions that the one or more UEs are to use to select the value for the sidelink communication parameter.
-Claim 23 is rejected with the same reasons as set forth in claim 5.
Regarding Claim 29. (Currently Amended)
-Claim 29 is rejected with the same reasons as set forth in claim 1.
A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising:
receiving coordination information for sidelink communication in a distributed scheduling mode, wherein the coordination information indicates a range of permitted values for a sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on a minimum threshold value and a maximum threshold value;
selecting, in the distributed scheduling mode and from the range of permitted values, a value for a sidelink communication parameter; and
transmitting a sidelink communication using the value of the sidelink communication parameter that is selected based at least in part on the coordination information.
Regarding Claim 37. (New) The method of claim 29, wherein the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or sidelink procedures are enabled or disabled.
-Claim 37 is rejected with the same reasons as set forth in claim 5.
Regarding Claim 38. (New) The method of claim 29, wherein the coordination information indicates one or more of an allowed combination of values or a disallowed combination of values for multiple sidelink communication parameters that are jointly used for the sidelink communication.
-Claim 37 is rejected with the same reasons as set forth in claim 7.
Regarding Claim 30. (Original)
-Claim 30 is rejected with the same reasons as set forth in claim 17.
A method of wireless communication performed by a coordination node {Lin (US 2019/0246385 A1): Base Station 710-Fig.6}, comprising:
generating coordination information (mode 2) for sidelink communication in a distributed scheduling mode {Lin (US 2019/0246385 A1): step 741 in Fig.6 and ¶0131 wherein “At step 741, the BS 710 triggers sidelink resource measurement on one or more selected mode 2 resource pool(s) or sub-pool(s)”; In other words, the base station 710 generates a measurement of mode 2 resource pool, emphasis added. See also step 715 in Fig.6 and ¶0134 wherein “at step 715 and based on the reported sidelink channel measurement (resource utilisation rate), the BS 710 determines whether and which of the mode 2 resource pool(s) or sub-pool(s) are to be used for sidelink message transmission and indicates this assignment to the TX UE along with scheduling information for transmitting SCI in mode 1 SA portion”; In other words, the base station generates a sidelink message transmission to indicate the Tx UE to use mode 2 of resource pool, emphasis added}, wherein the coordination information indicates a range of permitted values for a sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on a minimum threshold value and a maximum threshold value; and
transmitting the coordination information (mode 2) to one or more user equipments (UEs), wherein the coordination information (mode 2) indicates a value that the one or more UEs are to use for a sidelink communication parameter {Lin (US 2019/0246385 A1): step 741 in Fig.6 and ¶0131 wherein “At step 741, the BS 710 triggers sidelink resource measurement on one or more selected mode 2 resource pool(s) or sub-pool(s)”. See also step 715 in Fig.6 and ¶0134 wherein “at step 715 and based on the reported sidelink channel measurement (resource utilisation rate), the BS 710 determines whether and which of the mode 2 resource pool(s) or sub-pool(s) are to be used for sidelink message transmission and indicates this assignment to the TX UE along with scheduling information for transmitting SCI in mode 1 SA portion”} is included in the range of permitted values or the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or procedures are enabled or disabled.
Lin does not explicitly the coordination node comprising one or more memories; and one or more processors, coupled to the one or more memories, wherein the coordination information indicates a range of permitted values for the sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on a minimum threshold value and a maximum threshold value, and wherein a value that the one or more UEs are to use for a sidelink communication parameter is included in the range of permitted values or the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or procedures are enabled or disabled.
However, in the same field of endeavor, Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1) discloses wherein the coordination information indicates a range of permitted values for the sidelink communication parameter based at least in part on a minimum threshold value and a maximum threshold value {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): ¶0266 & ¶0269, e.g. [0266] Upon receiving the system information, the TX UE may be configured with one or more pools of resources on a carrier. The number of HARQ processes (or sidelink processes which can be interchangeably with the HARQ processes below) and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions may be configured for each of pools of resources on the carrier. The number of HARQ processes and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions may be configured with the maximum number of HARQ processes and/or the maximum number of HARQ retransmissions for one or more logical channels. [0267] In some implementations, the pool of resources may be used for either uplink or sidelink transmission}, and wherein a value that the one or more UEs are to use for a sidelink communication parameter is included in the range of permitted values or the coordination information indicates whether one or more sidelink features or procedures are enabled or disabled {Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1): s1200-Fig.12 & ¶0277 & ¶0279, e.g. [0279] if a sidelink logical channel configured with sl-HARQ-FeedbackEnabled set to disabled is allowed on more than one resource pool, the TX UE may select one resource pool where a sidelink logical channel configured with sl-HARQ-FeedbackEnabled set to enabled is not allowed and/or select one resource pool of which CBR is lower than CBR of any other resource pool}.
Therefore, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to Lee’s teaching to Lin’s system with the motivation “to reduce user and provider costs, improve service quality, and expand and improve coverage and system capacity”{Lee: ¶0002}, to “assign to a single selected sidelink grant to facilitate mixed mode operation between one configured sidelink grant and one selected sidelink grant”{Lee: ¶0012}, being for a UE to “partially or fully reselect resources for either one or more of the HARQ processes, in particular when the UE determines the number of HARQ processes and/or the number of HARQ retransmissions based on the QoS requirement or channel quality”{Lee: ¶0014}.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, filed 8-25-26, with respect to the rejection(s) of claim(s) 1-2, 5, 7, 17, 20, 22-23, 29-30 & 37-38 under USC 102-103 have been fully considered and are persuasive. Therefore, the rejection has been withdrawn. However, upon further consideration, a new ground(s) of rejection is made in view of Lee (US 2023/0276461 A1).
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.
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/PHUONGCHAU BA NGUYEN/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2464
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