Response to Amendment
In response to the amendment filed 5/6/2026: Claims 11-13 have been canceled, claims 1, 10, 14-16, 29 have been amended, and new claims 42-44 have been added.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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.
Claims 1-10,14-32,36-38 and 42-44 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Singh et al. (WO2020225160A1). Singh et al. discloses the claimed features as discussed below:
Claim 1. (Currently Amended) A capability indication method, performed by a base station, wherein the method comprises:
sending first capability information to a core network, wherein the first capability information is used to indicate a support capability of the base station for a terminal to perform a multi-SIM card connection switching; (fig 5 step 1, and page 10 lines 15-20: enable a multi-SIM UE 3 to send a notification including an indication of the multi-SIM capability, and then the N2 setup to the AMF and resulting Nudm_SDM_Get to UDM core network)
receiving an acquisition request for second capability information sent by the terminal (Fig 5 steps 1, the RRC message sent to RAN asking for multi SIM support);
sending the second capability information to the terminal, (figure 5 step 2, the RRC response to multi SIM request being sent back to UE)
wherein the second capability information is used to indicate a support capability of the core network for the terminal to perform the multi-SIM card connection switching, and the second capability information is carried in a radio resource control (RRC) signaling. (figure 5 steps n, n+1, and n+2, If network supports multi SIM capability, the AMD indicates support to the UE by accepting the registration request, otherwise the AMF replies in negative with possible cause value. And then the setup response to RAN, and UE registration accept to UE.)
Claim 2. (Original) The method according to claim 1, wherein the terminal is provided with a plurality of SIM cards, the plurality of SIM cards at least comprises a first SIM card and a second SIM card, and the multi-SIM card connection switching comprises switching to the second SIM card for a communication operation when performing the communication operation through the first SIM card. (page 11, lines 5-10, two SIM cards signaling simultaneously)
Claim 3. (Original) The method according to claim 1, wherein the first capability information is further used to indicate a support capability of other base station connected to the base station for the terminal to perform the multi-SIM card connection switching. (page 5 lines 30-35, serving base station and neighboring base stations)
Claim 4. (Original) The method according to claim 1, wherein sending the first capability information to the core network comprises: in a process of establishing an interface with the core network, sending the first capability information to the core network. (figure 5 step 4, capability request and reply exchanged with UDM)
Claim 5. (Original) The method according to claim 4, wherein in a case that the base station comprises an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) base station, the first capability information can be carried in an S1 interface setup request (S1 SETUP REQUEST) signaling. (S1 interface in page 9 lines 5-10)
Claim 6. (Original) The method according to claim 4, wherein in a case that the base station comprises a New Radio (NR) base station, the first capability information is carried in an NG interface setup request (NG SETUP REQUEST) signaling. (NG setup on page 6 line 20)
Claim 7. (Original) The method according to claim 1, wherein sending the first capability information to the core network comprises: after establishing an interface with the core network, sending the first capability information to the core network. (step 4 on page 12 lines 25-30)
Claim 8. (Original) The method according to claim 7, wherein in a case that the base station comprises an E-UTRAN base station, the first capability information is carried in a base station configuration update (ENB CONFIGURATION UPDATE) signaling. (page 5 lines 25-30: base station is that supports EUTRAN is eNB and may be configured to support both 4G and 5G);
Claim 9. (Original) The method according to claim 7, wherein in a case that the base station comprises an NR base station, the first capability information is carried in a radio access network configuration update (RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE) signaling. (page 5 line15-20: 5G RAT created by 3GPP is 5G New Radio (NR))
Claim 10. (Currently Amended) The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving the second capability information sent by the core network. (step 4 through step n through step n+1: Nudm_SDM_Get service requests are exchanged to between AMF and UDM to confirm Multi-SIM capabilities, and this is then sent back to RAN)
Claim 11-13. (Canceled)
Claim 14. (Currently Amended) The method according to claim 1, wherein sending the second capability information to the terminal comprises: determining a first condition; determining third capability information according to the second capability information, wherein the third capability information is used to indicate a support capability of the core network for the terminal to perform the multi-SIM card connection switching under the first condition; and sending the third capability information to the terminal. (page 11, lines 15-25, capability info for each of the two SIMs as well as radio capability)
Claim 15. (Currently Amended) The method according to claim 1, wherein sending the second capability information to the terminal comprises: determining a target terminal that satisfies a second condition, wherein the second condition comprises at least one of following: a plurality of SIM cards is provided in the terminal, or the terminal supports the multi-SIM card connection switching; and sending the second capability information to the target terminal. (page 11, lines 20-25 multi SIM capability for the two SIMs)
Claim 16. (Currently Amended) A capability indication method, performed by a core network, wherein the method comprises:
sending second capability information to a base station, wherein the second capability information is used to indicate a support capability of the core network for a terminal to perform a multi-SIM card connection switching, (step 4 through step n through step n+1: Nudm_SDM_Get service requests are exchanged to between AMF and UDM to confirm Multi-SIM capabilities, and this is then sent back to RAN)
wherein the second capability information is used for the base station to send to the terminal as a response to an acquisition request for the second capability information, wherein the second capability information is carried in a radio resource control (RRC) signaling. (step n+2 where the UE registration accept for multi SIM is sent back to UE)
Claim 17. (Original) The method according to claim 16, wherein the terminal is provided with a plurality of SIM cards, the plurality of SIM cards at least comprises a first SIM card and a second SIM card, and the multi-SIM card connection switching comprises switching to the second SIM card for a communication operation when performing the communication operation through the first SIM card. (page 11, lines 5-10, two SIM cards signaling simultaneously)
Claim 18. (Original) The method according to claim 16, wherein sending the second capability information to the base station comprises: in a process of establishing an interface with the base station, sending the second capability information to the base station. (step 4 through step n through step n+1: Nudm_SDM_Get service requests are exchanged to between AMF and UDM to confirm Multi-SIM capabilities, and this is then sent back to RAN)
Claim 19. (Original) The method according to claim 18, wherein in a case that the core network comprises an E-UTRAN core network, the second capability information can be carried in an S1 interface setup response (S1 SETUP RESPONSE) signaling. (S1 interface in page 9 lines 5-10)
Claim 20. (Original) The method according to claim 18, wherein in a case that the core network comprises an NR core network, the second capability information is carried in an NG interface setup response (NG SETUP RESPONSE) signaling. (NG setup on page 6 line 20)
Claim 21. (Original) The method according to claim 16, wherein sending the second capability information to the base station comprises: after establishing an interface with the base station, sending the second capability information to the core network. (step 4 through step n through step n+1: Nudm_SDM_Get service requests are exchanged to between AMF and UDM to confirm Multi-SIM capabilities, and this is then sent back to RAN)
Claim 22. (Original) The method according to claim 21, wherein in a case that the core network comprises an E-UTRAN core network, the second capability information is carried in a core network configuration update (MME CONFIGURATION UPDATE) signaling. (page 5 lines 23-30: base stations supports backward
Claim 23. (Original) The method according to claim 21, wherein in a case that the core network comprises an NR core network, the second capability information is carried in an access mobile management function network configuration update (AMF CONFIGURATION UPDATE) signaling. (page 12 lines 9-12 RAN has list of preconfigured AMFs)
Claim 24. (Previously Presented) The method according to claim 16, further comprising: receiving first capability information sent by the base station, wherein the first capability information is used to indicate a support capability of the base station for the terminal to perform the multi-SIM card connection switching. (step 4 through step n through step n+1: Nudm_SDM_Get service requests are exchanged to between AMF and UDM to confirm Multi-SIM capabilities, and this is then sent back to RAN)
Claim 25. (Original) The method according to claim 24, wherein the first capability information is further used to indicate a support capability of other base station connected to the base station for the terminal to perform the multi-SIM card connection switching. (page 5 lines 30-35, serving base station and neighboring base stations)
Claim 26. (Original) The method according to claim 25, further comprising: sending the first capability information to the terminal. (figure 5 step 2, the RRC response to multi SIM request being sent back to UE)
Claim 27. (Original) The method according to claim 26, wherein sending the first capability information to the terminal comprises: determining a third condition; determining fourth capability information according to the first capability information, wherein the fourth capability information is used to indicate a support capability of the core network for the terminal to perform the multi-SIM card connection switching under the third condition; sending the fourth capability information to the terminal. (page 11, lines 15-25, capability info for each of the two SIMs as well as radio capability, and page 6 lines 25-30, verifying support with UDM)
Claim 28. (Original) The method according to claim 26, wherein sending the first capability information to the terminal comprises: determining a target terminal that meets a second condition, wherein the second condition comprises at least one of following: a plurality of SIM cards is provided in the terminal, or the terminal supports the multi-SIM card connection switching; sending the first capability information to the target terminal. (page 11, lines 20-25 multi SIM capability for the two SIMs)
Claim 29. (Currently Amended) A capability determining method, performed by a terminal, wherein the method comprises:
sends an acquisition request for capability information to a first network-side device; receiving the capability information obtained by the first network-side device from a second network-side device; (Fig 5 steps 1, the RRC message sent to RAN asking for multi SIM support);
determining, according to the capability information, a support capability of the second network-side device for the terminal to perform a multi-SIM card connection switching2 wherein the second capability information is carried in a radio resource control (RRC) signaling. (figure 5 steps n, n+1, and n+2, If network supports multi SIM capability, the AMD indicates support to the UE by accepting the registration request, otherwise the AMF replies in negative with possible cause value. And then the setup response to RAN, and UE registration accept to UE.)
Claim 30. (Original) The method according to claim 29, wherein the terminal is provided with a plurality of SIM cards, the plurality of SIM cards at least comprises a first SIM card and a second SIM card, and the multi-SIM card connection switching comprises switching to the second SIM card for a communication operation when performing the communication operation through the first SIM card. (page 11, lines 5-10, two SIM cards signaling simultaneously)
Claim 31. (Original) The method according to claim 29, wherein the first network- side device comprises a base station, and the second network-side device comprises a core network, and the method further comprises: determining, according to the capability information, a support capability for the terminal to perform the multi-SIM card connection switching and a target core network that matches a capability of the terminal to perform the multi-SIM card connection switching; and attaching or registering to the target core network. (page 18 lines 25-30: the NRF maintains a list of AMFs that support multi SIM capabilities)
Claim 32. (Original) The method according to claim 29, wherein the first network- side device comprises a core network, and the second network-side device comprises a base station, and the method further comprises: determining, according to the capability information, a support capability for the terminal to perform the multi-SIM card connection switching and a target base station that matches a capability of the terminal to perform the multi-SIM card connection switching; and camping on or performing a cell reselection to the target base station. (page 11 lines 25-30: deciding whether the RAN supports the requested functionalities)
Claims 33-35. (Canceled)
Claim 36. (Original) A communication apparatus, comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing a computer program; wherein when the computer program is executed by the processor, the capability indication method according to claim 1 is implemented. (page 4 lines 10-15: computer readable storage media having instructions stored thereon which are operable to program a programmable processor to carry out a method as described)
Claim 37. (Original) A communication apparatus, comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing a computer program; wherein when the computer program is executed by the processor, the capability indication method according to claim 16 is implemented. (page 4 lines 10-15: computer readable storage media having instructions stored thereon which are operable to program a programmable processor to carry out a method as described)
Claim 38. (Original) A communication apparatus, comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing a computer program; wherein when the computer program is executed by the processor, the capability determining method according to claim 29 is implemented. (page 4 lines 10-15: computer readable storage media having instructions stored thereon which are operable to program a programmable processor to carry out a method as described)
Claims 39-41. (Canceled)
Claim 42. (New) The method according to claim 2, wherein the support capability of the core network for the terminal to perform the multi-SIM card connection switching comprises at least one of: support for the multi-SIM card connection switching, support for the multi-SIM card connection switching in the case that the first SIM card remains in the connected state, support for the multi-SIM card connection switching in the case that the first SIM card leaves the connected state. (figure 5 steps n, n+1, and n+2, If network supports multi SIM capability, the AMD indicates support to the UE by accepting the registration request, otherwise the AMF replies in negative with possible cause value. And then the setup response to RAN, and UE registration accept to UE.)
Claim 43. (New) The method according to claim 14, wherein the first condition is reported by the terminal or is pre-agreed with the terminal. (Fig 5 steps 1, the RRC message sent to RAN asking for multi SIM support);
Claim 44. (New) The method according to claim 43, wherein the first condition is reported by being comprised in the acquisition request. (Fig 5 steps 1, the RRC message sent to RAN asking for multi SIM support);
(NOTE: Applicant should be aware that any claims above stating a conditional “in case” may be interpreted as a contingent limitation and may not be required to be performed under a broadest reasonable interpretation of the claim. See MPEP 2111.04. It is suggested that Applicant rephrase the claims in non-conditional terminology.)
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MATTHEW D ANDERSON whose telephone number is (571)272-4177. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8a-4p.
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/MATTHEW D. ANDERSON/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2646
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