DETAILED ACTION
This communication is in response to the claims filed on 02/14/2024.
Application No: 18/683,731
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.
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, 7-8, 16-18 and 20-30 are rejected under 35 U. S. C. 103 as being unpatentable over Zhang et al. (US 20220077982 A1) in view of KHORYAEV et al. ( US 20220110085 A1).
Regarding claim 1, Zhang teaches a method of wireless communication performed by a User Equipment (UE) ([0013], Fig. 6, e.g. Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a user equipment (UE) configured for use in a multiple transmission and reception point (multi-TRP) wireless network. The UE includes processor circuitry configured to receive, using radio front end circuitry, a control signal indicative of a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to demodulation reference signal (DMRS) ports group mapping for multi-TRP operation in the wireless network. [0068] As shown by FIG. 6, the system 100 (i.e. system executing a method steps) includes UE 101a and UE 101b (collectively referred to as “UEs 101” or “UE 101”). In this example, UEs 101 are illustrated as smartphones (e.g., handheld touchscreen mobile computing devices connectable to one or more cellular networks)), comprising:
registering, with a first network entity, as a reference location device ([0104], e.g. The AMF 321 may be responsible for registration management (e.g., for registering UE 301, etc.). [0095] The MMEs 221 may be similar in function to the control plane of legacy SGSN, and may implement MM functions to keep track of the current location of a UE 201. The MMEs 221 may perform various MM procedures to manage mobility aspects in access such as gateway selection and tracking area list management, … the MM context may be a data structure or database object that stores MM-related information of the UE 201. The MMEs 221 may be coupled with the HSS 224 via an S6a reference point, coupled with the SGSN 225 via an S3 reference point, and coupled with the S-GW 222 via an S11 reference point (I.e. UE coupled as a reference location)); and
receiving positioning assistance data from a second network entity for a positioning session between the UE and a location server ([0131], e.g. The positioning circuitry 445 comprises various hardware elements (e.g., including hardware devices such as switches, filters, amplifiers, antenna elements, and the like to facilitate OTA communications) to communicate with components of a positioning network, such as navigation satellite constellation nodes. In some embodiments, the positioning circuitry 445 may include a Micro-Technology for Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (Micro-PNT) IC that uses a master timing clock to perform position tracking/estimation without GNSS assistance. The positioning circuitry 445 may also be part of, or interact with, the baseband circuitry 410 and/or RFEMs 415 to communicate with the nodes and components of the positioning network. The positioning circuitry 445 may also provide position data and/or time data to the application circuitry 405, which may use the data to synchronize operations with various infrastructure (e.g., RAN nodes 111, etc.), or the like (i.e. receiving positioning assistance data from a second network entity)).
Zhang teaches methods for mapping transmission configuration indication (TCI) states to demodulation reference signal (DMRS) ports groups in a wireless network. However Zhang differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
the positioning assistance data indicating at least one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) resources of at least one PRS resource set of at least one transmission-reception point (TRP) of at least one positioning frequency layer,
wherein the positioning assistance data is dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, KHORYAEV teaches wherein the positioning assistance data indicating at least one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) resources of at least one PRS resource set of at least one transmission-reception point (TRP) of at least one positioning frequency layer ([0048], e.g. As used herein, signal location parameters (SLP) are parameters of a signal that can be applied for the purpose of user positioning. Such parameters include phase difference, time of arrival, time of arrival timestamps, time difference of arrival, propagation time/delays, angle of arrivals/departures, received reference signal powers and any other information (i.e. transmission-reception point (TRP) of at least one positioning frequency layer) that can be relevant to facilitate an estimate of UE geographical coordinates. As used herein, positioning reference signals (PRS) are the signals sent by cells/eNB/gNB/TRPs/Network Entities or UEs used to measure SLP. Knowledge of PRS is thus beneficial for UE location (i.e. the positioning assistance data indicating at least one or more positioning reference signal (PRS)). PRS can include specifically designed sequences and signals with good cross and autocorrelation properties, or any data transmission depending on implementation and measurement and reporting type. Examples of such signals in UL are PRACH, SRS or PRS/ranging signals. In downlink, signals may include PRS, CSI-RS, CRS, etc. As used herein, reference resource refers to the resource where PRS is transmitted characterized by stamp/ID, that can be configured by higher layer signaling (i.e. transmission-reception point (TRP) of at least one positioning frequency layer)),
wherein the positioning assistance data is dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices ([0048], e.g. Knowledge of PRS is thus beneficial for UE location. PRS can include specifically designed sequences and signals with good cross and autocorrelation properties, or any data transmission depending on implementation and measurement and reporting type. Examples of such signals in UL are PRACH, SRS or PRS/ranging signals. In downlink, signals may include PRS, CSI-RS, CRS, etc. As used herein, reference resource refers to the resource where PRS is transmitted characterized by stamp/ID, that can be configured by higher layer signaling and may be configured to UE for measurement and reporting (i.e. the positioning assistance data is dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices)).
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 KHORYAEV within the method of Zhang. The motivation to combine references is that the combined system provides to determine an estimated location of a user equipment (UE). For instance, a UE can provide a positioning request to a node while the UE is in a radio resource control idle (RRC_IDLE) or inactive (RRC_INACTIVE) state. The positioning request can be implemented in a random access channel (RACH) message A (MsgA). The UE can then receive a positioning response from the node. The positioning response can be implemented in a RACH message B (MsgB) (See KHORYAEV [abstract, 0006, 0008]).
Regarding claim 2, Zhang in view of KHORYAEV teaches all the limitations of claim 1. KHORYAEV further teaches wherein the positioning assistance data includes an indication that the positioning assistance data is dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices ([0053], e.g. The PUSCH payload may include information on PRACH transmission time-stamp t.sub.1 as well as provide UE identity and indication of specific ranging/positioning request. The UE can also provide additional information on DL CSI-RS Resource IDs or DL PRS resource ID that it has monitored before and conducted measurements of signal location parameters (i.e. positioning assistance data is dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices)).
The motivation to combine reference of KHORYAEV within the method of Zhang before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides that conventional wireless communication systems do not support positioning procedures for users that are in a ‘stand by’ or IDLE mode. In order to get an estimated coordinate for such type of users, it is required to ‘wake up’ them and apply a positioning procedure. Disclosed embodiments include procedures for an optimized positioning mechanism for UEs in a RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. This mechanism helps to reduce latency between a positioning request and coordinated estimation; additionally, this mechanism helps to spend less power for positioning related signaling as well as spectrum resources. (See KHORYAEV [0044]).
Regarding claim 3, Zhang in view of KHORYAEV teaches all the limitations of claim 1. Zhang further teaches wherein the positioning assistance data is received from the second network entity in one or more positioning System Information Blocks (posSIBs) ([0115], e.g. This may be based on the UE subscription data, UE location, and information provided by the AF 328 (i.e. the positioning assistance data is received from the second network entity). [0185] The main services and functions of the RRC 755 may include broadcast of system information (e.g., included in MIBs or SIBs related to the NAS), broadcast of system information related to the access stratum (AS), paging, establishment, maintenance and release of an RRC connection between the UE 101 and RAN 110 (i.e. the positioning assistance data is received from the second network entity in one or more positioning System Information Blocks (posSIBs))).
KHORYAEV further teaches wherein the one or more posSIBs are dedicated to transmitting positioning assistance data for UEs registered as reference location devices ([0231], e.g. . For example, at 1802, the method 1800 may include processing, or causing to process, a received a random positioning request message. At 1804, the method 1800 may include transmitting, or causing to transmit, a random positioning response message, to determine estimated position coordinates. FIG. 19 depicts an example method 1900 according to embodiments. At 1902, the method 1900 can include transmitting, or causing to transmit, a random positioning request message. At 1904, the method 1900 can include processing, or causing to process, a received random positioning response message, to determine estimated position coordinates (i.e. posSIBs are dedicated to transmitting positioning assistance data)).
The motivation to combine reference of KHORYAEV within the method of Zhang before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides that conventional wireless communication systems do not support positioning procedures for users that are in a ‘stand by’ or IDLE mode. In order to get an estimated coordinate for such type of users, it is required to ‘wake up’ them and apply a positioning procedure. Disclosed embodiments include procedures for an optimized positioning mechanism for UEs in a RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. This mechanism helps to reduce latency between a positioning request and coordinated estimation; additionally, this mechanism helps to spend less power for positioning related signaling as well as spectrum resources. (See KHORYAEV [0044]).
Regarding claim 7, Zhang in view of KHORYAEV teaches all the limitations of claim 1. Zhang further teaches wherein the positioning assistance data includes: an indication associated with each of the one or more PRS resources indicating that the one or more PRS resources are dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices ([0007], e.g. providing data indicative of the selected TCI state group and the associated one or more DMRS ports groups to the UE comprises providing radio resource control (RRC) signaling or medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) signaling (i.e. indicating that the one or more PRS resources (e.g. group or ports) are dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices)).
Regarding claim 8, Zhang in view of KHORYAEV teaches all the limitations of claim 1. Zhang further teaches wherein the positioning assistance data includes: an indication associated with each of the one or more PRS resources indicating whether the one or more PRS resources are dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices ([0007], e.g. providing data indicative of the selected TCI state group and the associated one or more DMRS ports groups to the UE comprises providing radio resource control (RRC) signaling or medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) signaling (i.e. indicating that the one or more PRS resources (e.g. group or ports) are dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices)),
UEs that are not registered as reference location devices, or both UEs registered as reference location devices and UEs that are not registered as reference location devices ([0072], e.g. In this example, the AP 106 is shown to be connected to the Internet without connecting to the core network of the wireless system. In various embodiments, the UE 101b, RAN 110, and AP 106 may be configured to utilize LWA operation and/or LWIP operation. The LWA operation may involve the UE 101b in RRC_CONNECTED being configured by a RAN node 111a-b to utilize radio resources of LTE and WLAN. LWIP operation may involve the UE 101b using WLAN radio resources (e.g., connection 107) via IPsec protocol tunneling to authenticate and encrypt packets (e.g., IP packets) sent over the connection 107 (i.e. PRS resources are dedicated for use by UEs that are not registered as reference location devices)).
Regarding claim 16, Zhang teaches a User Equipment (UE) ([0013], Fig. 6, e.g. Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a user equipment (UE) configured for use in a multiple transmission and reception point (multi-TRP) wireless network. The UE includes processor circuitry configured to receive, using radio front end circuitry, a control signal indicative of a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to demodulation reference signal (DMRS) ports group mapping for multi-TRP operation in the wireless network. [0068] As shown by FIG. 6, the system 100 (i.e. system executing a method steps) includes UE 101a and UE 101b (collectively referred to as “UEs 101” or “UE 101”). In this example, UEs 101 are illustrated as smartphones (e.g., handheld touchscreen mobile computing devices connectable to one or more cellular networks), comprising:
a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver ([0013], e.g. The UE includes processor circuitry configured to receive, using radio front end circuitry, a control signal indicative of a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state. [0036] FIG. 15 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer system (i.e. including memory and transceiver) that can be utilized to implement various embodiments ), the at least one processor configured to:
register, with a first network entity, as a reference location device ([0104], e.g. The AMF 321 may be responsible for registration management (e.g., for registering UE 301, etc.). [0095] The MMEs 221 may be similar in function to the control plane of legacy SGSN, and may implement MM functions to keep track of the current location of a UE 201. The MMEs 221 may perform various MM procedures to manage mobility aspects in access such as gateway selection and tracking area list management, … the MM context may be a data structure or database object that stores MM-related information of the UE 201. The MMEs 221 may be coupled with the HSS 224 via an S6a reference point, coupled with the SGSN 225 via an S3 reference point, and coupled with the S-GW 222 via an S11 reference point (I.e. UE coupled as a reference location)); and
receive, via the at least one transceiver, positioning assistance data from a second network entity for a positioning session between the UE and a location server ([0131], e.g. The positioning circuitry 445 comprises various hardware elements (e.g., including hardware devices such as switches, filters, amplifiers, antenna elements, and the like to facilitate OTA communications) to communicate with components of a positioning network, such as navigation satellite constellation nodes. In some embodiments, the positioning circuitry 445 may include a Micro-Technology for Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (Micro-PNT) IC that uses a master timing clock to perform position tracking/estimation without GNSS assistance. The positioning circuitry 445 may also be part of, or interact with, the baseband circuitry 410 and/or RFEMs 415 to communicate with the nodes and components of the positioning network. The positioning circuitry 445 may also provide position data and/or time data to the application circuitry 405, which may use the data to synchronize operations with various infrastructure (e.g., RAN nodes 111, etc.), or the like (i.e. receiving positioning assistance data from a second network entity)).
Zhang teaches methods for mapping transmission configuration indication (TCI) states to demodulation reference signal (DMRS) ports groups in a wireless network. However Zhang differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
the positioning assistance data indicating at least one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) resources of at least one PRS resource set of at least one transmission-reception point (TRP) of at least one positioning frequency layer, wherein the positioning assistance data is dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, KHORYAEV teaches wherein
the positioning assistance data indicating at least one or more positioning reference signal (PRS) resources of at least one PRS resource set of at least one transmission-reception point (TRP) of at least one positioning frequency layer ([0048], e.g. As used herein, signal location parameters (SLP) are parameters of a signal that can be applied for the purpose of user positioning. Such parameters include phase difference, time of arrival, time of arrival timestamps, time difference of arrival, propagation time/delays, angle of arrivals/departures, received reference signal powers and any other information (i.e. transmission-reception point (TRP) of at least one positioning frequency layer) that can be relevant to facilitate an estimate of UE geographical coordinates. As used herein, positioning reference signals (PRS) are the signals sent by cells/eNB/gNB/TRPs/Network Entities or UEs used to measure SLP. Knowledge of PRS is thus beneficial for UE location (i.e. the positioning assistance data indicating at least one or more positioning reference signal (PRS)). PRS can include specifically designed sequences and signals with good cross and autocorrelation properties, or any data transmission depending on implementation and measurement and reporting type. Examples of such signals in UL are PRACH, SRS or PRS/ranging signals. In downlink, signals may include PRS, CSI-RS, CRS, etc. As used herein, reference resource refers to the resource where PRS is transmitted characterized by stamp/ID, that can be configured by higher layer signaling (i.e. transmission-reception point (TRP) of at least one positioning frequency layer)),
wherein the positioning assistance data is dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices ([0048], e.g. Knowledge of PRS is thus beneficial for UE location. PRS can include specifically designed sequences and signals with good cross and autocorrelation properties, or any data transmission depending on implementation and measurement and reporting type. Examples of such signals in UL are PRACH, SRS or PRS/ranging signals. In downlink, signals may include PRS, CSI-RS, CRS, etc. As used herein, reference resource refers to the resource where PRS is transmitted characterized by stamp/ID, that can be configured by higher layer signaling and may be configured to UE for measurement and reporting (i.e. the positioning assistance data is dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices)).
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 KHORYAEV within the method of Zhang. The motivation to combine references is that the combined system provides to determine an estimated location of a user equipment (UE). For instance, a UE can provide a positioning request to a node while the UE is in a radio resource control idle (RRC_IDLE) or inactive (RRC_INACTIVE) state. The positioning request can be implemented in a random access channel (RACH) message A (MsgA). The UE can then receive a positioning response from the node. The positioning response can be implemented in a RACH message B (MsgB) (See KHORYAEV [abstract, 0006, 0008]).
Regarding claim 17, Zhang in view of KHORYAEV teaches all the limitations of claim 16. KHORYAEV further teaches wherein the positioning assistance data includes an indication that the positioning assistance data is dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices ([0053], e.g. The PUSCH payload may include information on PRACH transmission time-stamp t.sub.1 as well as provide UE identity and indication of specific ranging/positioning request. The UE can also provide additional information on DL CSI-RS Resource IDs or DL PRS resource ID that it has monitored before and conducted measurements of signal location parameters (i.e. positioning assistance data is dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices)).
The motivation to combine reference of KHORYAEV within the method of Zhang before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides that conventional wireless communication systems do not support positioning procedures for users that are in a ‘stand by’ or IDLE mode. In order to get an estimated coordinate for such type of users, it is required to ‘wake up’ them and apply a positioning procedure. Disclosed embodiments include procedures for an optimized positioning mechanism for UEs in a RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. This mechanism helps to reduce latency between a positioning request and coordinated estimation; additionally, this mechanism helps to spend less power for positioning related signaling as well as spectrum resources. (See KHORYAEV [0044]).
Regarding claim 18, Zhang in view of KHORYAEV teaches all the limitations of claim 16. Zhang further teaches wherein the positioning assistance data is received from the second network entity in one or more positioning System Information Blocks (posSIBs) ([0115], e.g. This may be based on the UE subscription data, UE location, and information provided by the AF 328 (i.e. the positioning assistance data is received from the second network entity). [0185] The main services and functions of the RRC 755 may include broadcast of system information (e.g., included in MIBs or SIBs related to the NAS), broadcast of system information related to the access stratum (AS), paging, establishment, maintenance and release of an RRC connection between the UE 101 and RAN 110 (i.e. the positioning assistance data is received from the second network entity in one or more positioning System Information Blocks (posSIBs))).
KHORYAEV further teaches wherein the one or more posSIBs are dedicated to transmitting positioning assistance data for UEs registered as reference location devices ([0231], e.g. . For example, at 1802, the method 1800 may include processing, or causing to process, a received a random positioning request message. At 1804, the method 1800 may include transmitting, or causing to transmit, a random positioning response message, to determine estimated position coordinates. FIG. 19 depicts an example method 1900 according to embodiments. At 1902, the method 1900 can include transmitting, or causing to transmit, a random positioning request message. At 1904, the method 1900 can include processing, or causing to process, a received random positioning response message, to determine estimated position coordinates (i.e. posSIBs are dedicated to transmitting positioning assistance data)).
The motivation to combine reference of KHORYAEV within the method of Zhang before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides that conventional wireless communication systems do not support positioning procedures for users that are in a ‘stand by’ or IDLE mode. In order to get an estimated coordinate for such type of users, it is required to ‘wake up’ them and apply a positioning procedure. Disclosed embodiments include procedures for an optimized positioning mechanism for UEs in a RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. This mechanism helps to reduce latency between a positioning request and coordinated estimation; additionally, this mechanism helps to spend less power for positioning related signaling as well as spectrum resources. (See KHORYAEV [0044]).
Regarding claim 20, Zhang in view of KHORYAEV teaches all the limitations of claim 18. Zhang further teaches wherein the one or more posSIBs include a prioritization of measurements performed based on the positioning assistance data ([0185], e.g. The main services and functions of the RRC 755 may include broadcast of system information (e.g., included in MIBs or SIBs related to the NAS), broadcast of system information related to the access stratum (AS), paging, establishment, maintenance and release of an RRC connection between the UE 101 and RAN 110 (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), establishment, configuration, maintenance and release of point to point Radio Bearers, security functions including key management, inter-RAT mobility, and measurement configuration for UE measurement reporting (i.e. posSIBs include measurements performed based on the positioning assistance data). [0208] For inter-frequency cell reselection, dedicated priorities can be used to control the frequency on which the UE 301 camps (i.e. posSIBs include a prioritization of measurements performed based on the positioning assistance data)).
Regarding claim 21, Zhang in view of KHORYAEV teaches all the limitations of claim 18. Zhang further teaches wherein the second network entity is a base station ([0073], e.g. The RAN 110 can include one or more AN nodes or RAN nodes 111a and 111b (collectively referred to as “RAN nodes 111” or “RAN node 111”) that enable the connections 103 and 104. As used herein, the terms “access node,” “access point,” or the like may describe equipment that provides the radio baseband functions for data and/or voice connectivity between a network and one or more users. These access nodes can be referred to as BS (I.e. base station), gNBs, RAN nodes (i.e. the second network entity is a base station)).
Regarding claim 22, Zhang in view of KHORYAEV teaches all the limitations of claim 16. Zhang further teaches wherein the positioning assistance data includes: an indication associated with each of the one or more PRS resources indicating that the one or more PRS resources are dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices ([0007], e.g. providing data indicative of the selected TCI state group and the associated one or more DMRS ports groups to the UE comprises providing radio resource control (RRC) signaling or medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) signaling (i.e. indicating that the one or more PRS resources (e.g. group or ports) are dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices)).
Regarding claim 23, Zhang in view of KHORYAEV teaches all the limitations of claim 16. Zhang further teaches wherein the positioning assistance data includes: an indication associated with each of the one or more PRS resources indicating whether the one or more PRS resources are dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices ([0007], e.g. providing data indicative of the selected TCI state group and the associated one or more DMRS ports groups to the UE comprises providing radio resource control (RRC) signaling or medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) signaling (i.e. indicating that the one or more PRS resources (e.g. group or ports) are dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices)),
UEs that are not registered as reference location devices, or both UEs registered as reference location devices and UEs that are not registered as reference location devices ([0072], e.g. In this example, the AP 106 is shown to be connected to the Internet without connecting to the core network of the wireless system. In various embodiments, the UE 101b, RAN 110, and AP 106 may be configured to utilize LWA operation and/or LWIP operation. The LWA operation may involve the UE 101b in RRC_CONNECTED being configured by a RAN node 111a-b to utilize radio resources of LTE and WLAN. LWIP operation may involve the UE 101b using WLAN radio resources (e.g., connection 107) via IPsec protocol tunneling to authenticate and encrypt packets (e.g., IP packets) sent over the connection 107 (i.e. PRS resources are dedicated for use by UEs that are not registered as reference location devices)).
Regarding claim 24, Zhang in view of KHORYAEV teaches all the limitations of claim 16. KHORYAEV further teaches wherein the positioning assistance data does not include an indication that the positioning assistance data is dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices ([0053], e.g. The PUSCH payload may include information on PRACH transmission time-stamp t.sub.1 as well as provide UE identity and indication of specific ranging/positioning request. The UE can also provide additional information on DL CSI-RS Resource IDs or DL PRS resource ID that it has monitored before and conducted measurements of signal location parameters. This information, if available (I.e. it may not be available, then it indicates that the positioning assistance data does not include an indication that the data is dedicated for use by UEs), can be also included into PUSCH content. (I.e. positioning assistance data does not include an indication that the positioning assistance data is dedicated for use by UEs) ).
The motivation to combine reference of KHORYAEV within the method of Zhang before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides that conventional wireless communication systems do not support positioning procedures for users that are in a ‘stand by’ or IDLE mode. In order to get an estimated coordinate for such type of users, it is required to ‘wake up’ them and apply a positioning procedure. Disclosed embodiments include procedures for an optimized positioning mechanism for UEs in a RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. This mechanism helps to reduce latency between a positioning request and coordinated estimation; additionally, this mechanism helps to spend less power for positioning related signaling as well as spectrum resources. (See KHORYAEV [0044]).
Regarding claim 25, Zhang in view of KHORYAEV teaches all the limitations of claim 16. KHORYAEV further teaches wherein the positioning assistance data indicates one or more positioning frequency layers, including the at least one positioning frequency layer, that are dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices ([0091], e.g. According to various embodiments, the UEs 801 and the RAN nodes 811 communicate data (for example, transmit and receive) data over a licensed medium (also referred to as the “licensed spectrum” and/or the “licensed band”) and an unlicensed shared medium (also referred to as the “unlicensed spectrum” and/or the “unlicensed band”). The licensed spectrum may include channels that operate in the frequency range of approximately 400 MHz to approximately 3.8 GHz, whereas the unlicensed spectrum may include the 5 GHz band (I.e. positioning assistance data indicates one or more positioning frequency layers from 400 MHz to 3.9 GHz)).
The motivation to combine reference of KHORYAEV within the method of Zhang before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides that conventional wireless communication systems do not support positioning procedures for users that are in a ‘stand by’ or IDLE mode. In order to get an estimated coordinate for such type of users, it is required to ‘wake up’ them and apply a positioning procedure. Disclosed embodiments include procedures for an optimized positioning mechanism for UEs in a RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. This mechanism helps to reduce latency between a positioning request and coordinated estimation; additionally, this mechanism helps to spend less power for positioning related signaling as well as spectrum resources. (See KHORYAEV [0044]).
Regarding claim 26, Zhang in view of KHORYAEV teaches all the limitations of claim 16. KHORYAEV further teaches wherein the positioning assistance data indicates one or more positioning frequency layers, including the at least one positioning frequency layer, that are common to UEs registered as reference location devices ([0091], e.g. According to various embodiments, the UEs 801 and the RAN nodes 811 communicate data (for example, transmit and receive) data over a licensed medium (also referred to as the “licensed spectrum” and/or the “licensed band”) … . The licensed spectrum may include channels that operate in the frequency range of approximately 400 MHz to approximately 3.8 GHz (I.e. positioning assistance data indicates one or more positioning frequency layers common from f 400 MHz to approximately 3.8 GHz based on type of a network )), and
UEs that are not registered as reference location devices, the one or more positioning frequency layers include a plurality of TRPs, and one or more TRPs of the plurality of TRPs, including the at least one TRP, are dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices ([0091], e.g. According to various embodiments, the UEs 801 and the RAN nodes 811 communicate data (for example, transmit and receive) data over an unlicensed shared medium (also referred to as the “unlicensed spectrum” and/or the “unlicensed band”). … whereas the unlicensed spectrum may include the 5 GHz band (I.e. UEs that are not registered as reference location devices on “unlicensed spectrum ). [0048] As used herein, positioning reference signals (PRS) are the signals sent by cells/eNB/gNB/TRPs/Network Entities or UEs used to measure SLP. Knowledge of PRS is thus beneficial for UE location (i.e. frequency layers include a plurality of TRPs)).
The motivation to combine reference of KHORYAEV within the method of Zhang before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides that conventional wireless communication systems do not support positioning procedures for users that are in a ‘stand by’ or IDLE mode. In order to get an estimated coordinate for such type of users, it is required to ‘wake up’ them and apply a positioning procedure. Disclosed embodiments include procedures for an optimized positioning mechanism for UEs in a RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. This mechanism helps to reduce latency between a positioning request and coordinated estimation; additionally, this mechanism helps to spend less power for positioning related signaling as well as spectrum resources. (See KHORYAEV [0044]).
Regarding claim 27, Zhang in view of KHORYAEV teaches all the limitations of claim 16. KHORYAEV further teaches wherein the positioning assistance data indicates one or more TRPs, including the at least one TRP, that are common to UEs registered as reference location devices ([0091], e.g. According to various embodiments, the UEs 801 and the RAN nodes 811 communicate data (for example, transmit and receive) data over a licensed medium (also referred to as the “licensed spectrum” and/or the “licensed band”). [0048] As used herein, positioning reference signals (PRS) are the signals sent by cells/eNB/gNB/TRPs/Network Entities or UEs used to measure SLP. Knowledge of PRS is thus beneficial for UE location (i.e. frequency layers include a plurality of TRPs)).
and UEs that are not registered as reference location devices, the one or more TRPs include a plurality of PRS resource sets, and one or more PRS resource sets of the plurality of PRS resource sets, including the at least one PRS resource set, are dedicated for use by UEs registered as reference location devices ([0091], e.g. According to various embodiments, the UEs 801 and the RAN nodes 811 communicate data (for example, transmit and receive) data over an unlicensed shared medium (also referred to as the “unlicensed spectrum” and/or the “unlicensed band”). … whereas the unlicensed spectrum may include the 5 GHz band . [0048] As used herein, positioning reference signals (PRS) are the signals sent by cells/eNB/gNB/TRPs/Network Entities or UEs used to measure SLP. Knowledge of PRS is thus beneficial for UE location (i.e. frequency layers include a plurality of TRPs)).
The motivation to combine reference of KHORYAEV within the method of Zhang before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides that conventional wireless communication systems do not support positioning procedures for users that are in a ‘stand by’ or IDLE mode. In order to get an estimated coordinate for such type of users, it is required to ‘wake up’ them and apply a positioning procedure. Disclosed embodiments include procedures for an optimized positioning mechanism for UEs in a RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. This mechanism helps to reduce latency between a positioning request and coordinated estimation; additionally, this mechanism helps to spend less power for positioning related signaling as well as spectrum resources. (See KHORYAEV [0044]).
Regarding claim 28, Zhang in view of KHORYAEV teaches all the limitations of claim 16. Zhang further teaches wherein the first network entity is an AMF ([0105], e.g. AMF 321 may also support NAS signalling with a UE 301 over an N3 IWF interface (i.e. the first network entity is an AMF)).
Regarding claim 29, Zhang in view of KHORYAEV teaches all the limitations of claim 16. Zhang further teaches wherein the first network entity is the location server ([0065], e.g. At 428, after Transmission of DL PRS, the UE transmits to the serving gNB DL PRS measurement report and, at 430, the gNB sends this report to the Location Function/Server. At 432, the gNB(s) provide the measurement report to the location function entity. At 434, the location function entity provides the calculated coordinate to the serving gNB. At 436, the calculated coordinate is sent to a UE via RACH response with format MsgB or other format (i.e. the first network entity is the location server)).
Regarding claim 30, Zhang in view of KHORYAEV teaches all the limitations of claim 16. Zhang further teaches wherein the second network entity is the location server ([0065], e.g. At 428, after Transmission of DL PRS, the UE transmits to the serving gNB DL PRS measurement report and, at 430, the gNB sends this report to the Location Function/Server. At 432, the gNB(s) provide the measurement report to the location function entity. At 434, the location function entity provides the calculated coordinate to the serving gNB. At 436, the calculated coordinate is sent to a UE via RACH response with format MsgB or other format (i.e. the second network entity is the location server)).
KHORYAEV further teaches wherein the positioning assistance data is received in one or more LPP messages ([0061 ], e.g. the location function entity can provide the configuration to the serving gNB. At 308, the serving gNB can indicate configuration to the UE via the Positioning Response carrier in MsgB or through any upper layer signaling based on RRC or LTE/NR positioning protocol (LPP/NPP-cellular positioning protocol) or through secure user-plane location (SUPL) (i.e. positioning assistance data is received in one or more LPP messages)).
The motivation to combine reference of KHORYAEV within the method of Zhang before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides that conventional wireless communication systems do not support positioning procedures for users that are in a ‘stand by’ or IDLE mode. In order to get an estimated coordinate for such type of users, it is required to ‘wake up’ them and apply a positioning procedure. Disclosed embodiments include procedures for an optimized positioning mechanism for UEs in a RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. This mechanism helps to reduce latency between a positioning request and coordinated estimation; additionally, this mechanism helps to spend less power for positioning related signaling as well as spectrum resources. (See KHORYAEV [0044]).
Allowable Subject Matter
Claim 19 is 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 (e.g. 16 plus 18 plus 19), and amending claims to overcome any objection(s) and /or rejection(s) set forth in this Office action.
Prior Art Record
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent
to applicant’s disclosure.
Islam; Toufiqul (US-20200389876-A1 - UPLINK CANCELATION INDICATION.
DUAN; Weimin (US-20210360461-A1) - REDUCING THE OVERHEAD OF REPORTING MEASUREMENTS AND TRANSMISSION-RECEPTION POINT (TRP) IDENTIFIERS IN POSITIONING STATE INFORMATION (PSI).
LI; Qiming (US-20220053385-A1) - A METHOD FOR ENABLING FAST MOBILITY WITH BEAMFORMING INFORMATION.
MANOLAKOS ALEXANDROS (WO-2021154373-A1) - DOWNLINK CONTROL INFORMATION (DCI)-BASED TRIGGERED POSITIONING REFERENCE SIGNALS (PRS).
Conclusion
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/MAHENDRA R PATEL/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2645