Prosecution Insights
Last updated: July 17, 2026
Application No. 18/698,270

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION METHOD, WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND CONTROL STATION

Non-Final OA §102§112
Filed
Apr 03, 2024
Priority
Oct 04, 2021 — nonprovisional of PCTJP2021036669
Examiner
CHEN, PETER
Art Unit
2462
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
88%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
4m
Est. Remaining
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 88% — above average
88%
Career Allowance Rate
406 granted / 464 resolved
+29.5% vs TC avg
Strong +22% interview lift
Without
With
+22.4%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 7m
Avg Prosecution
19 currently pending
Career history
487
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.5%
-39.5% vs TC avg
§103
82.2%
+42.2% vs TC avg
§102
11.0%
-29.0% vs TC avg
§112
4.6%
-35.4% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 464 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §112
DETAILED ACTION This Office action is a response to Preliminary Amendment made an Application No. 18/698,270 filed on 04/03/2024 in which claims 1 and 3-8 are amended and no new claim is added. Accordingly, Claims 1-8 are currently pending for examination. 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 . 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. Drawings The Examiner contends that the drawings submitted on 04/03/2024 are acceptable for examination proceedings. Information Disclosure Statement The Examiner has considered the reference(s) listed on the Information Disclosure Statement submitted on 04/03/2024. Specification The title of the invention is not descriptive. A new title is required that is clearly indicative of the invention to which the claims are directed. Claim Objections Claims 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7 are objected to because of the following informalities: Claim 1 recite “A wireless communication method, wherein… at least one mobile transceiver station… and a base station” in the preamble and the body recites multiple steps. For clarity, it is suggested to include which station (i.e., mobile station and base station) is performing the recited multiple steps. Claim 1 recite “the at least one transceiver station” in line 14-15 while claim 1 recites “at least one mobile transceiver station” in line 2. In order to avoid antecedent basis, it is suggested to amend --the at least one mobile transceiver station-- assuming both limitations are the same. Claim 2 recite “the transceiver station” in line 4-5 while claim 1 recites “at least one mobile transceiver station” in line 2. In order to avoid antecedent basis, it is suggested to amend --the at least one mobile transceiver station-- assuming both limitations are the same. Claims 2 and 5 recite the phrase “such that” in line 2 respectively. Language that suggests or makes optional or intended use/result (i.e., such that) but does not require step to be performed or does not limit the scope of the claim to a particular structure or does not limit the scope of a claim or claim limitation(s). Such clauses may render parts of the claim(s) optional (see MPEP 2106 and 2111.04). Claim 4 recite “the at least one transceiver station” in line 18 while claim 4 recites “at least one mobile transceiver station” in line 2. In order to avoid antecedent basis, it is suggested to amend --the at least one mobile transceiver station-- assuming both limitations are the same. Claim 5 recite “the transceiver station” in line 5 while claim 4 recites “at least one mobile transceiver station” in line 2. In order to avoid antecedent basis, it is suggested to amend --the at least one mobile transceiver station-- assuming both limitations are the same. Claim 7 recite “the at least one transceiver station” in line 18 while claim 7 recites “at least one mobile transceiver station” in line 2. In order to avoid antecedent basis, it is suggested to amend --the at least one mobile transceiver station-- assuming both limitations are the same. Appropriate corrections are required. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112 The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b): (B) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph: The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention. Claims 1-8 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor, or for pre-AIA the applicant regards as the invention. Claim 1 recites “each of the antennas” in line 6. It is unclear whether “each of the antennas” refers to “a plurality of antennas in one mobile transceiver station” or “a plurality of antennas in a base station”. For the purpose of examination, Examiner will interpret as best understood. Claim 1 recites “each antenna” in line 17. It is unclear whether “each antennas” refers to “each of the antenna”, or “a plurality of antennas in one mobile transceiver station” or “a plurality of antennas in a base station”. For the purpose of examination, Examiner will interpret as best understood. Claim 4 recites “each of the antennas” in line 6-7. It is unclear whether “each of the antennas” refers to “a plurality of antennas in one mobile transceiver station” or “a plurality of antennas in a base station”. For the purpose of examination, Examiner will interpret as best understood. Claim 4 recites “each antenna” in line 20-21. It is unclear whether “each antennas” refers to “each of the antenna”, or “a plurality of antennas in one mobile transceiver station” or “a plurality of antennas in a base station”. For the purpose of examination, Examiner will interpret as best understood. Claim 7 recites “each of the antennas” in line 6-7. It is unclear whether “each of the antennas” refers to “a plurality of antennas in one mobile transceiver station” or “a plurality of antennas in a base station”. For the purpose of examination, Examiner will interpret as best understood. Claim 7 recites “each antenna” in line 20-21. It is unclear whether “each antennas” refers to “each of the antenna”, or “a plurality of antennas in one mobile transceiver station” or “a plurality of antennas in a base station”. For the purpose of examination, Examiner will interpret as best understood. Claims 2-3, 5-6, and 8 are also rejected for the same reasoning as set forth in above because they are dependent upon the rejected claims 1, 4, and 7 respectively. Appropriate corrections are required. 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 1-8 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Cordone (US 2019/0319724 A1) hereinafter “Cordone”. Regarding claims 1, 4, and 7, Cordone discloses Claim 1 of a wireless communication method, wherein wireless communication is established between at least one mobile transceiver station provided with a plurality of antennas and a base station provided with a plurality of antennas (see FIG. 7; see ¶ [0036], a plurality of phased array antennas at TX and RX), Claim 4 of a wireless communication system, wherein wireless communication is established between at least one mobile transceiver station provided with a plurality of antennas and a base station provided with a plurality of antennas (see FIG. 7; see ¶ [0036], a plurality of phased array antennas at TX and RX), and Claim 7 of a control station that controls wireless communication established between at least one mobile transceiver station provided with a plurality of antennas and a base station provided with a plurality of antennas (see FIG. 7; see ¶ [0036], a plurality of phased array antennas at TX and RX), the method comprising: estimating channel information for each of one or more channels based on location information for each of the antennas that transmit and receive radio waves (see FIG. 5 and 6; see ¶ [0029] [0032], measuring two or more signal-quality characteristics of a wireless communication within a signal environment transmitted from a single source and received at a system); predicting an external factor affecting each channel for which channel information is estimated (see FIG. 5 and 6; see ¶ [0030] [0032] [0045], generating an interference signature based on the measured signal quality characteristics and predicting the location of interference within the signal environment with respect to the position of the vehicle); calculating a channel capacity for each channel for which channel information is estimated based on each piece of the estimated channel information and the predicted external factor (see FIG. 5 and 6; see ¶ [0027] [0029-30] [0045], calculating a signal-quality matric of the signal); determining a channel combination that maximizes the total channel capacity of wireless communication established between the at least one transceiver station and the base station based on each calculated channel capacity (see FIG. 5 and 6; see ¶ [0030] [0045-46], in reducing and/or avoiding the effect of the interference on the communication signal); and controlling an orientation of each antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves based on the determined combination (see FIG. 5 and 6; see ¶ [0030] [0045-46], adjusting the orientation of the antenna assembly to limit and/or avoid the detrimental effects of signal interference within the signal environment). Regarding claims 2 and 5, Cordone discloses wherein the plurality of antennas provided in the base station are spaced apart such that a difference is likely to occur in influence of the predicted external factor within a range in which communication is available with at least any one of the antennas provided in the transceiver station (see ¶ [0022] [0027], to reduce the adverse effect of signal interference, the antenna assembly where the transit and receive apertures are jointly positioned, aligned, and oriented). Regarding claims 3, 6, and 8, Cordone discloses wherein the channel information for each channel is newly estimated in a case where the predicted external factor is updated (see ¶ [0029] [0031], any adjustment the position or orientation of the antenna may include repetitive and periodic). Conclusion The prior art made of record (see attached PTO-892) and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. ZHOU et al. (US 2015/0063482 A1) teaches in a radio communication system, a plurality of transmission antennas and a plurality of reception antennas are arranged such that a channel matrix having channel responses between the plurality of transmission antennas and the plurality of reception antennas as elements is a circulant matrix (see Abstract). A shortened statutory period for reply to this action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of the action. An extension of time may be obtained under 37 CFR 1.136(a). However, in no event, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to PETER CHEN whose telephone number is (571)270-7241. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Yemane Mesfin can be reached at (571) 272-3927. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /PETER CHEN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2462
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Apr 03, 2024
Application Filed
Apr 10, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §112
Jun 29, 2026
Interview Requested
Jul 08, 2026
Examiner Interview Summary
Jul 08, 2026
Applicant Interview (Telephonic)

Precedent Cases

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
88%
Grant Probability
99%
With Interview (+22.4%)
2y 7m (~4m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 464 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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