Prosecution Insights
Last updated: July 17, 2026
Application No. 18/776,173

PORT-TO-RESOURCE MAPPING

Non-Final OA §102§103
Filed
Jul 17, 2024
Priority
Jul 27, 2023 — provisional 63/529,281 +8 more
Examiner
ALAWDI, SHEHAB A
Art Unit
Tech Center
Assignee
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
81%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
1y 6m
Est. Remaining
60%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 81% — above average
81%
Career Allowance Rate
26 granted / 32 resolved
+21.3% vs TC avg
Minimal -21% lift
Without
With
+-20.8%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 6m
Avg Prosecution
22 currently pending
Career history
65
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
1.1%
-38.9% vs TC avg
§103
13.0%
-27.0% vs TC avg
§102
84.8%
+44.8% vs TC avg
§112
1.1%
-38.9% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 32 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 . 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 for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claim(s) [ 1-6, and 8-13 and 15-20 ] is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102 a (1) as being anticipated by Wie (US 20200328792 A1)] hereon after Wei. Regrading claim 1, 8 and 15, Wei teaches; A user equipment (UE) comprising: [0052] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a design of a base station/eNB 105 and a UE 115, which may be one of the base stations/eNBs and one of the UEs in FIG. 1, a transceiver configured to receive information about a channel state information (CSI) report associated with K>1 CSI reference signal (CSI-RS) resources each with 2n_1 n_2 CSI-RS ports, [0057] An eNB may broadcast cell-specific CSI reference signals (CSI-RS) for which the UE measures CSI based on configurations signaled by eNB via RRC, such as CSI-RS resource configuration and transmission mode, where n_1 and n_2 are numbers of CSI-RS antenna ports of each CSI-RS resource in first and second dimensions, respectively, for each of dual-polarized antenna groups; [0065] For FD-MIMO, CSI-RS with more than 8 ports may be supported. CSI-RS port layout can be either 1-D or 2-D, according to the configured parameters (N.sub.1, N.sub.2), for which N.sub.1 and N.sub.2 determines the number of CSI-RS port in the 1.sup.st and 2.sup.nd dimension, and a processor operably coupled to the transceiver, the processor, based on the information, [0054] A MIMO detector 256 may obtain received symbols from all the demodulators 254a through 254r, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols if applicable, and provide detected symbols. A receive processor 258 may process (e.g., demodulate, deinterleave, and decode) the detected symbols, provide decoded data for the UE 115 to a data sink 260, and provide decoded control information to a controller/processor 280, configured to: measure the K CSI-RS resources, and determine the CSI report including a precoding matrix indicator (PMI) associated with 2N_1 N_2 PMI ports, [0061] A reporting may include one CSI-interference measurement (IM) resource per CSI process. The UE may report rank indicator, and CQI, as well as PMI, which consists of a first PMI corresponding to the parameters (i.sub.11, i.sub.12) and one or multiple second PMI corresponding to the parameter, i.sub.2, where 2N_1 N_2=2Kn_1 n_2, wherein: N_1 and N_2 are numbers of PMI antenna ports in the first and second dimensions, respectively, for each of the dual-polarized antenna groups, [0068 and equation P] For port indexing, e.g., assigning a CSI-RS port to a predetermined RE pattern, the mapping approach may depend upon the configurable code division multiplex (CDM) length (e.g., 2 or 4), which means that the mapping may be different depending on the CDM length,…Where, p represents the port index in the 12- and 16-port CSI-RS resource, p′ represents port numbering within each component configuration, N.sub.ports.sup.CSI represents a number of ports in the component configurations, and i represents the index of the component configuration. It can be seen that, for a CDM length of two, the cross-polarized antenna ports are assigned to each component CSI-RS configuration, and, for a CDM length of four, sequential mapping of CSI-RS ports to each component configuration is applied and, as a result, antenna ports mapped to each component configuration may not be on same polarization, and (N_1,N_2 ) corresponds to either (Kn_1,n_2 ) or (n_1,Kn_2 ), determined based on a port-mapping method between a PMI port index and a CSI-RS port index with a CSI-RS resource index, [Equation P 00001]for a CDM length of four, the port index may be determined by: p=iN.sub.ports.sup.CSI+p′ for p′∈{15,16, . . . ,15+N.sub.ports.sup.CSI−1}, Where, p represents the port index in the 12- and 16-port CSI-RS resource, p′ represents port numbering within each component configuration, N.sub.ports.sup.CSI represents a number of ports in the component configurations, and i represents the index of the component configuration, and wherein the transceiver is further configured to transmit the CSI report. [0055] On the uplink, at the UE 115, a transmit processor 264 may receive and process data (e.g., for the PUSCH) from a data source 262 and control information (e.g., for the PUCCH) from the controller/processor 280…. [0057] A UE may report CSI at CSI reporting instances also configured by the eNB. As a part of CSI reporting the UE generates and reports channel quality indicator (CQI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), and rank indicator (RI). A base station (BS), A method performed by a user equipment (UE). Regarding claim 2, 9 and 16, Wei does teach n_1 n_2 CSI-RS ports of a j-th CSI-RS resource for a p-th polarization group map to (j+(p-1)K)-th n_1 n_2 PMI ports, [0080] As indicated in block 802, port permutation through the execution environment of port permutation 1202, under control of controller/processor 240, is separately applied for each polarization. Thus, in one aspect of the present disclosure, ports in the first polarization identified according to: p∈(15, . . . ,15+N.sub.1N.sub.2−1) where j=1,2,..,K, and p=1,2 [0068] N.sub.ports.sup.CSI represents a number of ports in the component configurations, and i represents the index of the component configuration. It can be seen that, for a CDM length of two, the cross-polarized antenna ports are assigned to each component CSI-RS configuration, and, for a CDM length of four, sequential mapping of CSI-RS ports to each component configuration is applied. Regarding claim 3, 10 and 17, Wei does teach i-th n_2 CSI-RS ports of a j-th CSI-RS resource for a p-th polarization group map to (j+(i-1)K+(p-1) N_1 K)-th n_2 PMI ports,[0068] Where, p represents the port index in the 12- and 16-port CSI-RS resource, p′ represents port numbering within each component configuration, N.sub.ports.sup.CSI represents a number of ports in the component configurations, and i represents the index of the component configuration, where i=1,2,…,N_1, [0068] i represents the index of the component configuration, j=1,2,…,K, and p=1,2. Where, p represents the port index in the 12- and 16-port CSI-RS resource, p′ represents port numbering within each component configuration, N.sub.ports.sup.CSI represents a number of ports in the component configurations. Regarding claim 4, 11 and 18, Wei does teach wherein the port-mapping method is configured via higher-layer [0079] It should be noted that, the port permutation at block 802, is applied for CM-RS port layouts (N.sub.1, N.sub.2) where N.sub.2 does not equal 2 or 4, or as determined by higher layer signaling. radio-resource control (RRC) signaling, [0057] An eNB may broadcast cell-specific CSI reference signals (CSI-RS) for which the UE measures CSI based on configurations signaled by eNB via RRC, such as CSI-RS resource configuration and transmission mode. Regarding claim 5, 12 and 19, Wei does teach wherein configurable values of (N_1,N_2 ) with respect to a total number of CSI-RS ports (P) across the K CSI-RS resources include values in the following table: Total number of CSI-RS ports (P) across the K CSI-RS resources, (N_1,N_2 ) 48, (8,3), (6,4) 64, (16,2), (8,4) 128, (16,4), (8,8) [0065 and Table 1] For FD-MIMO, CSI-RS with more than 8 ports may be supported. CSI-RS port layout can be either 1-D or 2-D, according to the configured parameters (N.sub.1, N.sub.2), for which N.sub.1 and N.sub.2 determines the number of CSI-RS port in the 1.sup.st and 2.sup.nd dimension. Regarding claim 6, 13 and 20, Wei does teach wherein configurable values of K with respect to P include: for P=48, K=2 and 3, for P=64, K=2 and 4, and for P=128, K=4,[0071 and table] [0071] For CSI-RS with more than 16-ports (e.g., 20, 24, 28, 32 ports), the aggregation approach for resource configuration may be reused. In one optional aspect, the same N.sub.k may be used for all K component CSI-RS configurations. In another optional aspect, a different N.sub.k may be used for different component CSI-RS configurations. (Paragraph 0071 discusses the aggregation approach in the case P is greater 16 ports which would include P = 48,64,128. 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 for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. Claim [7 and 14] are rejected under 35 U.S.C 103 as being unpatentable over Wie in view of Sun (US 20220361015 A1) Regarding claim 7 and 14, Wie teaches the limitations of the parent claims. Wie does not teach the UE is not expected to be configured with (N_1,N_2 )=(6,4) or (N_1,N_2 )=(8,8), when the port-mapping method is a method to determine that (N_1,N_2 ) corresponds to (Kn_1,n_2 ). Sun does teach the UE is not expected to be configured [0139] Thus, frequency basis restriction may be supported for some combination of (N1, N2), and the configuration of frequency basis restriction may be at least partially based on the value of (N1, N2), with (N_1,N_2 )=(6,4) or (N_1,N_2 )=(8,8), [0139] On the other hand, a larger number of antennas (e.g. N.sub.1 and N.sub.2 are both either equal to or larger than 8) may suggest narrow spatial beams and more PMI hypotheses, for which each spatial beam may correspond to a single frequency basis, therefore a spatial basis restriction may be sufficient, when the port-mapping method is a method to determine that (N_1,N_2 ) corresponds to (Kn_1,n_2 ). [0143] In a first implementation, the value of M.sub.i may be a function of the number of ports in both dimensions (vertical and horizontal). That is, the value of M.sub.i may be a function of (N.sub.1, N.sub.2). A large number of N.sub.1 and N.sub.2 (equal to or greater than eight, for example) may result in a narrower spatial beam, and a small Mi value may therefore be sufficient. It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, having the teachings of Wie and Sun before him or her, to modify the method of Wei to include the Porting configurations as taught by Sun. The motivation for doing so would be to improved MIMO network transmission. (Paragraph 0025 by Sun)]. Relevant Art Park (US 11071125 B2) reads on the porting indexing method, when the K CSI RS resources are aggregated (with N ports), and when the UE needs a method to rule on how to number (index) the ports, for Dual-polarized configuration (N = 2x(n1n2)). Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to SHEHAB A ALAWDI whose telephone number is (571)270-3203. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 9-5. 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, [Hamza, Faruk] can be reached at [(571) 272-7969]. 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. /SHEHAB A ALAWDI/Examiner, Art Unit 2466 /JAY P PATEL/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2466
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Prosecution Timeline

Jul 17, 2024
Application Filed
Jun 26, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §103 (current)

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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
81%
Grant Probability
60%
With Interview (-20.8%)
3y 6m (~1y 6m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 32 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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