Prosecution Insights
Last updated: July 17, 2026
Application No. 18/727,044

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSCEIVING HARQ-ACK INFORMATION IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

Non-Final OA §102§103
Filed
Jul 05, 2024
Priority
Jan 07, 2022 — CN 202210016316.4 +3 more
Examiner
HUA, QUAN M
Art Unit
Tech Center
Assignee
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
72%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
10m
Est. Remaining
93%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 72% — above average
72%
Career Allowance Rate
460 granted / 636 resolved
+12.3% vs TC avg
Strong +21% interview lift
Without
With
+21.1%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 11m
Avg Prosecution
23 currently pending
Career history
673
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
2.3%
-37.7% vs TC avg
§103
80.0%
+40.0% vs TC avg
§102
6.8%
-33.2% vs TC avg
§112
3.6%
-36.4% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 636 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §103
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 . Claims 1-15 is/are pending. IDS has been considered. Drawings are accepted. 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)(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, 6, 8, 9, 12 and 13 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being unpatentable over Wang (US 2024/0340899). As to claim 1 and 8: A method and a terminal in a wireless communication system, the terminal comprising: a transceiver; and a controller coupled with the transceiver (Fig. 10, ¶0162 processor, memory, and transceiver) and configured to perform said method, wherein the method comprising: receiving, from a base station, first information configuring a time domain allocation list for multiple physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs) and second information enabling a time domain hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) bundling; (See at least ¶0003, 0034, 0044-0047, 0085-0086, abstract, receiving DCIs from a base station for multi-PDSCH scheduling, having TDRA tables, i.e. first information, configuring the time domain location list for the PDSCHs. See ¶0034, 0036, 99090-0093, and claim 8 - the TDRA rows information (i.e. second information), upon selected/used, directly enables the time-domain bundling feature in the HARQ-ACK codebook generation process) receiving, from the base station, a plurality of PDSCHs; (¶0095, 0047, 0005, receiving from the base station a plurality of PDSCHs) and transmitting, to the base station, a HARQ acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) codebook for the plurality of PDSCHs based on the first information and the second information, (See at least ¶0034-0036, 0048-0049 Abstract, 0090-0095, claim 1 – codebook is generated and transmitted to the base station based on TDRA time allocation configuration and the bundling enabling information transmitted by the base station. See also details in the implementation in ¶0114-0117) wherein, in case that each slot of the plurality of PDSCHs includes an uplink symbol of a PDSCH time resource, a time domain resource allocation set for the HARQ-ACK codebook is updated based on a row index corresponding to the PDSCH time resource. (See at least ¶0034, 0044-0049, 0055, 0090-0093, TDRA row containing one or more SLIVs is used to schedule a plurality of PDSCHs across multiple slot. In NR/5G environment of Wang, such slots include uplinks symbol or flexible symbol that can be used for UL. The HARQ-ACK codebook is generated and adaptively modified specifically based on the TDRA row index selected for these multi-PDSCH transmissions, and as such when schedule slots include uplink/flexible uplink symbols, the time domain resource allocation set for said codebook is adaptively modified based on the row index corresponding to the PDSCH time resources) As to claims 5, 12: Wang discloses a method and a base station in a wireless communication system, the base station comprising: a transceiver; and a controller coupled with the transceiver for performing the method (Fig. 10, ¶0162 processor, memory, and transceiver), the method comprising: transmitting, to a terminal, first information configuring a time domain allocation list for multiple physical downlink shared channels(PDSCHs) and second information enabling a time domain hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) bundling; (See at least ¶0003, 0034, 0044-0047, 0085-0086, abstract, transmitting DCIs from a base station for multi-PDSCH scheduling, having TDRA tables, i.e. first information, configuring the time domain location list for the PDSCHs. See ¶0034, 0036, 99090-0093, and claim 8 - the TDRA rows information (i.e. second information), upon selected/used, directly enables the time-domain bundling feature in the HARQ-ACK codebook generation process) transmitting, to the terminal, a plurality of PDSCHs; (¶0095, 0047, 0005, receiving from the base station a plurality of PDSCHs) and receiving, from the terminal, a HARQ acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) codebook for the plurality of PDSCHs based on the first information and the second information, See at least ¶0034-0036, 0048-0049 Abstract, 0090-0095, claim 1 – codebook is generated and transmitted to the base station based on TDRA time allocation configuration and the bundling enabling information transmitted by the base station. See also details in the implementation in ¶0114-0117) wherein, in case that each slot of the plurality of PDSCHs includes an uplink symbol of a PDSCH time resource, a time domain resource al- location set for the HARQ-ACK codebook is updated based on a row index corresponding to the PDSCH time resource. (See at least ¶0034, 0044-0049, 0055, 0090-0093, TDRA row containing one or more SLIVs is used to schedule a plurality of PDSCHs across multiple slot. In NR/5G environment of Wang, such slots include uplinks symbol or flexible symbol that can be used for UL. The HARQ-ACK codebook is generated and adaptively modified specifically based on the TDRA row index selected for these multi-PDSCH transmissions, and as such when schedule slots include uplink/flexible uplink symbols, the time domain resource allocation set for said codebook is adaptively modified based on the row index corresponding to the PDSCH time resources) As to claims 2, 6, 9, and 13: Wang discloses all limitations of claim 1/5/8/12, wherein the time domain resource allocation set includes a first set including PDSCH time domain resource allocation tables and a second set including last start and length indicator value (SLIV) of each row of the first set. (See ¶0045-0047, the DCIS having a plurality of TDRA tables, each containing at least one row with multiple SLIVs) 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. The factual inquiries 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. Claim(s) 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wang (US 2024/0340899) in view of Tian et al. (US 2022/0167392). As to claims 3, 10, 14: Wang discloses all limitations of claim 1/8/12, regarding: the plurality of PDSCHs are received in a plurality of downlink slots overlapping with an uplink slot, starting from a smallest index. While Wang does not explicitly mention the plurality of PDSCHs are received in a plurality of downlink slots overlapping with an uplink slot, starting from a smallest index , note that ¶0034, 0044-0049, 0090-0093 the reference describes the terminal receiving multiple PDSCH transmission scheduled by one or more DCI that uses a TDRA with multiple SLIVs. These transmission occurs multiple slot and the TDRA rows define resources intrinsically from the earliest slot, i.e. smallest index. It is further noted that the claim language is a mere narration on the manner the PDSCH are received, i.e. from smallest index. In a related field of codebook design for multi-PDSCH, Tian discloses in at least ¶0094, 0115 that downlink transmission as scheduled might be overlaps with uplink symbols with earliest slot available, i.e. ¶0014, first slot of the group) It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing time of the invention that the plurality of PDSCHs are received in a plurality of downlink slots overlapping with an uplink slot, starting from a smallest index. The practice of transmission on overlapped UL/DL slots is common in the art due to the benefit of being able to use more time resources (i.e. don’t have to wait for the next full downlink slot) and PDSCHs can start in earliest available slot as soon as possible, which can be crucial for time-sensitive applications. As to claims 4, 11, 15: Wang discloses all limitations of claim 1/8/12, wherein the HARQ-ACK codebook for the plurality of PDSCHs is generated based on the first information, the second information, (See at least ¶0034-0036, 0048-0049 Abstract, 0090-0095, claim 1 – codebook is generated and transmitted to the base station based on TDRA time allocation configuration and the bundling enabling information transmitted by the base station. See also details in the implementation in ¶0114-0117) and third information configuring the HARQ-ACK codebook as semi-static (¶0069, payload of the HARQ-ACK is generated as semi-static); Wang however is silent on wherein the uplink symbol is configured by a time division duplex (TDD) uplink downlink configuration for the terminal. In a related field of codebook design for multi-PDSCH, Tian discloses in at least ¶0054, 0056 that uplink symbol is configured by a time division duplex (TDD) uplink downlink configuration for the terminal It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing time of the invention that the Wang’s uplink symbol is configured by a time division duplex (TDD) uplink downlink configuration for the terminal. Such practice benefitually allows for flexibility in slot usage, i.e. TDD lets slots to be configured with a mix of DL, flexible, and UL symbols instead of full DL or UL slots. Furthermore TDD configuration allows for dynamical slit of DL vs. DL share in a frequency band. As to claim 7: Wang discloses all limitations of claim 1, regarding: the plurality of PDSCHs are received in a plurality of downlink slots overlapping with an uplink slot, starting from a smallest index. While Wang does not explicitly mention the plurality of PDSCHs are received in a plurality of downlink slots overlapping with an uplink slot, starting from a smallest index , note that ¶0034, 0044-0049, 0090-0093 the reference describes the terminal receiving multiple PDSCH transmission scheduled by one or more DCI that uses a TDRA with multiple SLIVs. These transmission occurs multiple slot and the TDRA rows define resources intrinsically from the earliest slot, i.e. smallest index. It is further noted that the claim language is a mere narration on the manner the PDSCH are received, i.e. from smallest index. In a related field of codebook design for multi-PDSCH, Tian discloses in at least ¶0094, 0115 that downlink transmission slots as scheduled by the network might be overlapped with uplink symbols with earliest slot available, i.e. ¶0014, first slot of the group) It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing time of the invention that the plurality of PDSCHs are received in a plurality of downlink slots overlapping with an uplink slot, starting from a smallest index. The practice of transmission on overlapped UL/DL slots is common in the art due to the benefit of being able to use more time resources (i.e. don’t have to wait for the next full downlink slot) and PDSCHs can start in earliest available slot as soon as possible, which can be crucial for time-sensitive applications. Wang further discloses: wherein the HARQ-ACK codebook for the plurality of PDSCHs is generated based on the first information, the second information, (See at least ¶0034-0036, 0048-0049 Abstract, 0090-0095, claim 1 – codebook is generated and transmitted to the base station based on TDRA time allocation configuration and the bundling enabling information transmitted by the base station. See also details in the implementation in ¶0114-0117) and third information configuring the HARQ-ACK codebook as semi-static (¶0069, payload of the HARQ-ACK is generated as semi-static) , however is silent on wherein the uplink symbol is configured by a time division duplex (TDD) uplink downlink configuration for the terminal. In a related field of codebook design for multi-PDSCH, Tian discloses in at least ¶0054, 0056 that uplink symbol is configured by a time division duplex (TDD) uplink downlink configuration for the terminal It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing time of the invention that the Wang’s uplink symbol is configured by a time division duplex (TDD) uplink downlink configuration for the terminal. Such practice benefitually allows for flexibility in slot usage, i.e. TDD lets slots to be configured with a mix of DL, flexible, and UL symbols instead of full DL or UL slots. Furthermore TDD configuration allows for dynamical slit of DL vs. DL share in a frequency band. Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. LIU et al. (US 2023/0039107) -Dynamic (Type-2) HARQ-ACK codebook generation for multi-PDSCH scheduling is discussed. Up to Rel-16, PDSCH can be scheduled using DCI 1_0, 1_1, 2_1, all which schedule one PDSCH at a time. Multi-PDSCH scheduling, one DL DCI (scheduling assignment) scheduling multiple PDSCHs is discussed, as scheduling multiple PDSCHs with a single DCI allows reducing PDCCH overhead and UE PDCCH monitoring, in particular in the context of high carrier frequencies (which allow large data throughput). A scheduling assignment for multi-PDSCH scheduling may be seen as associated to multiple sub patterns of feedback information, wherein each sub pattern may pertain to a different scheduled or schedulable PDSCH. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to QUAN M HUA whose telephone number is (571)270-7232. The examiner can normally be reached 10:30-6:30. 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, Anthony Addy can be reached at 571-272-7795. 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. /QUAN M HUA/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2645
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Prosecution Timeline

Jul 05, 2024
Application Filed
Jul 09, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §103 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
72%
Grant Probability
93%
With Interview (+21.1%)
2y 11m (~10m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 636 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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