DETAILED ACTION
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 .
Response to Amendment
This is in response to an amendment/response/communication filed 4/10/2026.
No claims have been cancelled.
No claims have been added.
Claims(s) 1-20 is/are currently pending.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement(s) (IDS(s)) submitted on 8/1/2024 and 4/10/2026 is/are in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the Examiner.
Priority
Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55.
Drawings
The drawings were received on 8/1/2024. These drawings are accepted.
Specification
The lengthy specification has not been checked to the extent necessary to determine the presence of all possible minor errors. Applicant's cooperation is requested in correcting any errors of which applicant may become aware in the specification.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/process/file/efs/guidance/eTD-info-I.jsp.
Claim (s) 1-20 is/are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim(s) 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 of U.S. Patent No. 12058649 in view of Hwang et al. US 20220095279.
As to claim 1:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
A method performed by a first user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:
receiving configuration information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the configuration information includes first information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH)
including information on a period of the PSFCH, and
second information on a number of a subchannel in the sidelink resource pool;
…and
transmitting, to the second UE, the PSFCH including hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information for the PSSCH in a first slot including a PSFCH resource,
wherein at least one resource block (RB) for the PSFCH is allocated based on the information on the period and the second information on the number of the subchannel.
A method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:
receiving a radio resource control (RRC) message including information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the information for the sidelink resource pool includes configuration information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) and
information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and
information on a period for the PSFCH; and
information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and
transmitting hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information in a first slot including PSFCH resources,
wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot of a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), wherein a number of the PSFCH resources for multiplexing the HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the set of the RBs for the PSFCH, the period for the PSFCH, and the number of the subchannel, and
wherein at least one RB for the PSFCH is allocated to a PSSCH slot associated with the first slot based on the period for the PSFCH and the number of the subchannel. (claim 1)
U.S. Patent No. 12058649 as described above does not explicitly teach:
receiving, from a second UE, a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH);
However, Hwang et al. further teaches a PSSCH capability which includes:
receiving, from a second UE, a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH);
(“Referring to FIG. 34, UE1 may receive a PDCCH from a gNB in step S3401. The PDCCH, which is a PDCCH related to a PSSCH, may include resource allocation information available to UE1 for SL signal transmission to UE2. In step S3402, UE1 may transmit an SL signal, PSCCH/PSSCH to UE2. In step S3043, UE2 may receive the PSSCH and transmit a PFSCH for the PSSCH. That is, UE1 may receive the PFSCH for the PSSCH from UE2. This PSFCH may be UCI (i.e., SFCI) for the received PSSCH. In step S3404, UE1 may transmit feedback information to the gNB on a PUCCH based on the PSFCH for the PSSCH. That is, UE1 may report the UCI to the gNB based on the PSFCH received from UE2. The UCI (or UCI for the SL transmission about which the UE will report to the gNB) is (1) HARQ-ACK information for the SL transmission or for transmission and reception of the PSCCH and/or the PSSCH, (2) channel/transmission quality information (e.g., CSI) between the UEs participating in the SL transmission, and/or (3) preferred or configurable configuration/parameter set information for the SL transmission.”; Hwang et al.; 0355)
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to implement the PSSCH capability of Hwang et al. into U.S. Patent No. 12058649. By modifying the processing/communications of U.S. Patent No. 12058649 to include the PSSCH capability as taught by the processing/communications of Hwang et al., the benefits of improved power consumption (Ye et al.; 0016) with reduced resource use (Hwang et al.; 0342) are achieved.
As to claim 2:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
The method of claim 1, wherein the first information for the PSFCH further includes
information on a time gap associated with the PSFCH, and information on a set of RBs for the PSFCH, and
wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot in which the PSSCH is received.
A method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:
receiving a radio resource control (RRC) message including information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the information for the sidelink resource pool includes configuration information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) and
information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and
information on a period for the PSFCH; and
information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and
transmitting hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information in a first slot including PSFCH resources,
wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot of a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), wherein a number of the PSFCH resources for multiplexing the HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the set of the RBs for the PSFCH, the period for the PSFCH, and the number of the subchannel, and
wherein at least one RB for the PSFCH is allocated to a PSSCH slot associated with the first slot based on the period for the PSFCH and the number of the subchannel. (claim 1)
As to claim 3:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
The method of claim 2,
wherein a number of the PSFCH resource for multiplexing the HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the information on the set of the RBs, the information on the period, and the second information on the number of the subchannel, and
wherein the PSFCH resource is indexed based on the information on the period for the PSFCH and the second information on the number of the subchannel.
A method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:
receiving a radio resource control (RRC) message including information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the information for the sidelink resource pool includes configuration information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) and
information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and
information on a period for the PSFCH; and
information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and
transmitting hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information in a first slot including PSFCH resources,
wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot of a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH),
wherein a number of the PSFCH resources for multiplexing the HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the set of the RBs for the PSFCH, the period for the PSFCH, and the number of the subchannel, and
wherein at least one RB for the PSFCH is allocated to a PSSCH slot associated with the first slot based on the period for the PSFCH and the number of the subchannel. (claim 1)
The method of claim 1, wherein the PSFCH resources are indexed based on the period for the PSFCH and the number of subchannel. (claim 3)
As to claim 4:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
The method of claim 1, further comprising:
identifying the PSFCH resource for a transmission of the PSFCH in response to reception of
the PSSCH, based on a physical layer source identity (ID) of the second UE and an ID of the first UE.
The method of claim 1, further comprising:
identifying a PSFCH resource corresponding to the PSSCH based on a source identity (ID) and an ID of the terminal. (claim 4)
As to claim 5:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
The method of claim 1, wherein the configuration information is received via radio resource control (RRC) signaling, and
A method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:
receiving a radio resource control (RRC) message including information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the information for the sidelink resource pool includes configuration information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) and
information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and
information on a period for the PSFCH; and
information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and
transmitting hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information in a first slot including PSFCH resources,
wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot of a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), wherein a number of the PSFCH resources for multiplexing the HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the set of the RBs for the PSFCH, the period for the PSFCH, and the number of the subchannel, and
wherein at least one RB for the PSFCH is allocated to a PSSCH slot associated with the first slot based on the period for the PSFCH and the number of the subchannel. (claim 1)
U.S. Patent No. 12058649 as described above does not explicitly teach:
wherein the configuration information further includes third information for the PSSCH.
However, Hwang et al. further teaches a PSSCH capability which includes:
wherein the configuration information further includes third information for the PSSCH.
(“For example, in NR resource allocation mode 1, a UE may be provided with or allocated resources for one or more SL transmissions of one transport block (TB) by a dynamic grant from the BS. For example, the BS may provide the UE with resources for transmission of a PSCCH and/or a PSSCH by the dynamic grant. For example, a transmitting UE may report an SL hybrid automatic repeat request (SL HARQ) feedback received from a receiving UE to the BS. In this case, PUCCH resources and a timing for reporting the SL HARQ feedback to the BS may be determined based on an indication in a PDCCH, by which the BS allocates resources for SL transmission.”; Hwang et al.; 0159)
(“For example, in resource allocation mode 1, a time between the PSFCH and the PSSCH may be configured or preconfigured….”; Hwang et al.; 0265)
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to implement the PSSCH capability of Hwang et al. into U.S. Patent No. 12058649. By modifying the processing/communications of U.S. Patent No. 12058649 to include the PSSCH capability as taught by the processing/communications of Hwang et al., the benefits of improved power consumption (Ye et al.; 0016) with reduced resource use (Hwang et al.; 0342) are achieved.
As to claim 6:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
A first user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the first UE
comprising:
a transceiver; and
a controller coupled with the transceiver and configured to:
receive configuration information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the configuration
information includes first information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) including
information on a period of the PSFCH, and second information on a number of a subchannel in the
sidelink resource pool,
…and
transmit, to the second UE, the PSFCH including hybrid automatic repeat request
acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information for the PSSCH in a first slot including a PSFCH
resource,
wherein at least one resource block (RB) for the PSFCH is allocated based on the information
on the period and the second information on the number of the subchannel.
A terminal in a wireless communication system, the terminal comprising:
transceiver; and processor coupled with the transceiver and configured to:
receive a radio resource control (RRC) message including information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the information for the sidelink resource pool includes configuration information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) and information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and information on a period for the PSFCH, and transmit hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information in a first slot including PSFCH resources, wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot of a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), wherein a number of the PSFCH resources for multiplexing the HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the set of the RBs for the PSFCH, the period for the PSFCH, and the number of the subchannel, and wherein at least one RB for the PSFCH is allocated to a PSSCH slot associated with the first slot based on the period for the PSFCH and the number of the subchannel. (claim 6)
U.S. Patent No. 12058649 as described above does not explicitly teach:
receive, from a second UE, a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH),
However, Hwang et al. further teaches a PSSCH capability which includes:
receive, from a second UE, a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH),
(“Referring to FIG. 34, UE1 may receive a PDCCH from a gNB in step S3401. The PDCCH, which is a PDCCH related to a PSSCH, may include resource allocation information available to UE1 for SL signal transmission to UE2. In step S3402, UE1 may transmit an SL signal, PSCCH/PSSCH to UE2. In step S3043, UE2 may receive the PSSCH and transmit a PFSCH for the PSSCH. That is, UE1 may receive the PFSCH for the PSSCH from UE2. This PSFCH may be UCI (i.e., SFCI) for the received PSSCH. In step S3404, UE1 may transmit feedback information to the gNB on a PUCCH based on the PSFCH for the PSSCH. That is, UE1 may report the UCI to the gNB based on the PSFCH received from UE2. The UCI (or UCI for the SL transmission about which the UE will report to the gNB) is (1) HARQ-ACK information for the SL transmission or for transmission and reception of the PSCCH and/or the PSSCH, (2) channel/transmission quality information (e.g., CSI) between the UEs participating in the SL transmission, and/or (3) preferred or configurable configuration/parameter set information for the SL transmission.”; Hwang et al.; 0355)
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to implement the PSSCH capability of Hwang et al. into U.S. Patent No. 12058649. By modifying the processing/communications of U.S. Patent No. 12058649 to include the PSSCH capability as taught by the processing/communications of Hwang et al., the benefits of improved power consumption (Ye et al.; 0016) with reduced resource use (Hwang et al.; 0342) are achieved.
As to claim 7:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
The first UE of claim 6, wherein the first information for the PSFCH further includes
information on a time gap associated with the PSFCH, and information on a set of RBs for the PSFCH,
and
wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot in which the PSSCH is
received.
A terminal in a wireless communication system, the terminal comprising:
transceiver; and processor coupled with the transceiver and configured to:
receive a radio resource control (RRC) message including information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the information for the sidelink resource pool includes configuration information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) and information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and information on a period for the PSFCH, and transmit hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information in a first slot including PSFCH resources, wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot of a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), wherein a number of the PSFCH resources for multiplexing the HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the set of the RBs for the PSFCH, the period for the PSFCH, and the number of the subchannel, and wherein at least one RB for the PSFCH is allocated to a PSSCH slot associated with the first slot based on the period for the PSFCH and the number of the subchannel. (claim 6)
As to claim 8:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
The first UE of claim 7, wherein a number of the PSFCH resource for multiplexing the
HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the information on the set of the RBs, the information
on the period, and the second information on the number of the subchannel, and
wherein the PSFCH resource is indexed based on the information on the period for the PSFCH
and the second information on the number of the subchannel
A terminal in a wireless communication system, the terminal comprising:
transceiver; and processor coupled with the transceiver and configured to:
receive a radio resource control (RRC) message including information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the information for the sidelink resource pool includes configuration information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) and information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and information on a period for the PSFCH, and transmit hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information in a first slot including PSFCH resources, wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot of a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), wherein a number of the PSFCH resources for multiplexing the HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the set of the RBs for the PSFCH, the period for the PSFCH, and the number of the subchannel, and wherein at least one RB for the PSFCH is allocated to a PSSCH slot associated with the first slot based on the period for the PSFCH and the number of the subchannel. (claim 6)
The terminal of claim 6, wherein the PSFCH resources are indexed based on the period for the PSFCH, and the number of subchannel. (claim 8)
As to claim 9:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
The first UE of claim 6, wherein the controller is further configured to:
identify the PSFCH resource for a transmission of the PSFCH in response to reception of the
PSSCH, based on a physical layer source identity (ID) of the second UE and an ID of the first UE.
The terminal of claim 6, wherein the processor is configured to: identify a PSFCH resource corresponding to the PSSCH based on a source identity (ID) and an ID of the terminal. (claim 9)
As to claim 10:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
The method of claim 1, wherein the configuration information is received via radio resource control (RRC) signaling, and
A terminal in a wireless communication system, the terminal comprising:
transceiver; and processor coupled with the transceiver and configured to:
receive a radio resource control (RRC) message including information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the information for the sidelink resource pool includes configuration information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) and information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and information on a period for the PSFCH, and transmit hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information in a first slot including PSFCH resources, wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot of a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), wherein a number of the PSFCH resources for multiplexing the HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the set of the RBs for the PSFCH, the period for the PSFCH, and the number of the subchannel, and wherein at least one RB for the PSFCH is allocated to a PSSCH slot associated with the first slot based on the period for the PSFCH and the number of the subchannel. (claim 6)
U.S. Patent No. 12058649 as described above does not explicitly teach:
wherein the configuration information further includes third information for the PSSCH.
However, Hwang et al. further teaches a PSSCH capability which includes:
wherein the configuration information further includes third information for the PSSCH.
(“For example, in NR resource allocation mode 1, a UE may be provided with or allocated resources for one or more SL transmissions of one transport block (TB) by a dynamic grant from the BS. For example, the BS may provide the UE with resources for transmission of a PSCCH and/or a PSSCH by the dynamic grant. For example, a transmitting UE may report an SL hybrid automatic repeat request (SL HARQ) feedback received from a receiving UE to the BS. In this case, PUCCH resources and a timing for reporting the SL HARQ feedback to the BS may be determined based on an indication in a PDCCH, by which the BS allocates resources for SL transmission.”; Hwang et al.; 0159)
(“For example, in resource allocation mode 1, a time between the PSFCH and the PSSCH may be configured or preconfigured….”; Hwang et al.; 0265)
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to implement the PSSCH capability of Hwang et al. into U.S. Patent No. 12058649. By modifying the processing/communications of U.S. Patent No. 12058649 to include the PSSCH capability as taught by the processing/communications of Hwang et al., the benefits of improved power consumption (Ye et al.; 0016) with reduced resource use (Hwang et al.; 0342) are achieved.
As to claim 11:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
A method performed by a second user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication
system, the method comprising:
…and
receiving, from the first UE, a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) including hybrid
automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information for the PSSCH in a first slot
including a PSFCH resource,
wherein at least one resource block (RB) for the PSFCH is allocated based on information on
a period of the PSFCH included in first information for the PSFCH and second information on a
number of a subchannel in a sidelink resource pool, and
wherein the first information and the second information are included in configuration
information for the sidelink resource pool
A method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:
receiving a radio resource control (RRC) message including information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the information for the sidelink resource pool includes configuration information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) and
information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and
information on a period for the PSFCH; and
information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and
transmitting hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information in a first slot including PSFCH resources,
wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot of a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), wherein a number of the PSFCH resources for multiplexing the HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the set of the RBs for the PSFCH, the period for the PSFCH, and the number of the subchannel, and
wherein at least one RB for the PSFCH is allocated to a PSSCH slot associated with the first slot based on the period for the PSFCH and the number of the subchannel. (claim 1)
U.S. Patent No. 12058649 as described above does not explicitly teach:
transmitting, to a first UE, a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH);
However, Hwang et al. further teaches a PSSCH capability which includes:
transmitting, to a first UE, a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH); (“Referring to FIG. 34, UE1 may receive a PDCCH from a gNB in step S3401. The PDCCH, which is a PDCCH related to a PSSCH, may include resource allocation information available to UE1 for SL signal transmission to UE2. In step S3402, UE1 may transmit an SL signal, PSCCH/PSSCH to UE2. In step S3043, UE2 may receive the PSSCH and transmit a PFSCH for the PSSCH. That is, UE1 may receive the PFSCH for the PSSCH from UE2. This PSFCH may be UCI (i.e., SFCI) for the received PSSCH. In step S3404, UE1 may transmit feedback information to the gNB on a PUCCH based on the PSFCH for the PSSCH. That is, UE1 may report the UCI to the gNB based on the PSFCH received from UE2. The UCI (or UCI for the SL transmission about which the UE will report to the gNB) is (1) HARQ-ACK information for the SL transmission or for transmission and reception of the PSCCH and/or the PSSCH, (2) channel/transmission quality information (e.g., CSI) between the UEs participating in the SL transmission, and/or (3) preferred or configurable configuration/parameter set information for the SL transmission.”; Hwang et al.; 0355)
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to implement the PSSCH capability of Hwang et al. into U.S. Patent No. 12058649. By modifying the processing/communications of U.S. Patent No. 12058649 to include the PSSCH capability as taught by the processing/communications of Hwang et al., the benefits of improved power consumption (Ye et al.; 0016) with reduced resource use (Hwang et al.; 0342) are achieved.
As to claim 12:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
The method of claim 1, wherein the first information for the PSFCH further includes
information on a time gap associated with the PSFCH, and information on a set of RBs for the PSFCH, and
wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot in which the PSSCH is received.
A method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:
receiving a radio resource control (RRC) message including information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the information for the sidelink resource pool includes configuration information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) and
information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and
information on a period for the PSFCH; and
information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and
transmitting hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information in a first slot including PSFCH resources,
wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot of a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), wherein a number of the PSFCH resources for multiplexing the HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the set of the RBs for the PSFCH, the period for the PSFCH, and the number of the subchannel, and
wherein at least one RB for the PSFCH is allocated to a PSSCH slot associated with the first slot based on the period for the PSFCH and the number of the subchannel. (claim 1)
As to claim 13:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
The method of claim 2,
wherein a number of the PSFCH resource for multiplexing the HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the information on the set of the RBs, the information on the period, and the second information on the number of the subchannel, and
wherein the PSFCH resource is indexed based on the information on the period for the PSFCH and the second information on the number of the subchannel.
A method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:
receiving a radio resource control (RRC) message including information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the information for the sidelink resource pool includes configuration information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) and
information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and
information on a period for the PSFCH; and
information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and
transmitting hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information in a first slot including PSFCH resources,
wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot of a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH),
wherein a number of the PSFCH resources for multiplexing the HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the set of the RBs for the PSFCH, the period for the PSFCH, and the number of the subchannel, and
wherein at least one RB for the PSFCH is allocated to a PSSCH slot associated with the first slot based on the period for the PSFCH and the number of the subchannel. (claim 1)
The method of claim 1, wherein the PSFCH resources are indexed based on the period for the PSFCH and the number of subchannel. (claim 3)
As to claim 14:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
The method of claim 1, further comprising:
identifying the PSFCH resource for a transmission of the PSFCH in response to reception of
the PSSCH, based on a physical layer source identity (ID) of the second UE and an ID of the first UE.
The method of claim 1, further comprising:
identifying a PSFCH resource corresponding to the PSSCH based on a source identity (ID) and an ID of the terminal. (claim 4)
As to claim 15:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
The method of claim 1, wherein the configuration information is received via radio resource control (RRC) signaling, and
A method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:
receiving a radio resource control (RRC) message including information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the information for the sidelink resource pool includes configuration information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) and
information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and
information on a period for the PSFCH; and
information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and
transmitting hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information in a first slot including PSFCH resources,
wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot of a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), wherein a number of the PSFCH resources for multiplexing the HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the set of the RBs for the PSFCH, the period for the PSFCH, and the number of the subchannel, and
wherein at least one RB for the PSFCH is allocated to a PSSCH slot associated with the first slot based on the period for the PSFCH and the number of the subchannel. (claim 1)
U.S. Patent No. 12058649 as described above does not explicitly teach:
wherein the configuration information further includes third information for the PSSCH.
However, Hwang et al. further teaches a PSSCH capability which includes:
wherein the configuration information further includes third information for the PSSCH.
(“For example, in NR resource allocation mode 1, a UE may be provided with or allocated resources for one or more SL transmissions of one transport block (TB) by a dynamic grant from the BS. For example, the BS may provide the UE with resources for transmission of a PSCCH and/or a PSSCH by the dynamic grant. For example, a transmitting UE may report an SL hybrid automatic repeat request (SL HARQ) feedback received from a receiving UE to the BS. In this case, PUCCH resources and a timing for reporting the SL HARQ feedback to the BS may be determined based on an indication in a PDCCH, by which the BS allocates resources for SL transmission.”; Hwang et al.; 0159)
(“For example, in resource allocation mode 1, a time between the PSFCH and the PSSCH may be configured or preconfigured….”; Hwang et al.; 0265)
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to implement the PSSCH capability of Hwang et al. into U.S. Patent No. 12058649. By modifying the processing/communications of U.S. Patent No. 12058649 to include the PSSCH capability as taught by the processing/communications of Hwang et al., the benefits of improved power consumption (Ye et al.; 0016) with reduced resource use (Hwang et al.; 0342) are achieved.
As to claim 16:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
A first user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the first UE
comprising:
a transceiver; and
a controller coupled with the transceiver and configured to:
receive configuration information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the configuration
information includes first information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) including
information on a period of the PSFCH, and second information on a number of a subchannel in the
sidelink resource pool,
…and
transmit, to the second UE, the PSFCH including hybrid automatic repeat request
acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information for the PSSCH in a first slot including a PSFCH
resource,
wherein at least one resource block (RB) for the PSFCH is allocated based on the information
on the period and the second information on the number of the subchannel.
A terminal in a wireless communication system, the terminal comprising:
transceiver; and processor coupled with the transceiver and configured to:
receive a radio resource control (RRC) message including information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the information for the sidelink resource pool includes configuration information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) and information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and information on a period for the PSFCH, and transmit hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information in a first slot including PSFCH resources, wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot of a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), wherein a number of the PSFCH resources for multiplexing the HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the set of the RBs for the PSFCH, the period for the PSFCH, and the number of the subchannel, and wherein at least one RB for the PSFCH is allocated to a PSSCH slot associated with the first slot based on the period for the PSFCH and the number of the subchannel. (claim 6)
U.S. Patent No. 12058649 as described above does not explicitly teach:
receive, from a second UE, a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH),
However, Hwang et al. further teaches a PSSCH capability which includes:
receive, from a second UE, a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH),
(“Referring to FIG. 34, UE1 may receive a PDCCH from a gNB in step S3401. The PDCCH, which is a PDCCH related to a PSSCH, may include resource allocation information available to UE1 for SL signal transmission to UE2. In step S3402, UE1 may transmit an SL signal, PSCCH/PSSCH to UE2. In step S3043, UE2 may receive the PSSCH and transmit a PFSCH for the PSSCH. That is, UE1 may receive the PFSCH for the PSSCH from UE2. This PSFCH may be UCI (i.e., SFCI) for the received PSSCH. In step S3404, UE1 may transmit feedback information to the gNB on a PUCCH based on the PSFCH for the PSSCH. That is, UE1 may report the UCI to the gNB based on the PSFCH received from UE2. The UCI (or UCI for the SL transmission about which the UE will report to the gNB) is (1) HARQ-ACK information for the SL transmission or for transmission and reception of the PSCCH and/or the PSSCH, (2) channel/transmission quality information (e.g., CSI) between the UEs participating in the SL transmission, and/or (3) preferred or configurable configuration/parameter set information for the SL transmission.”; Hwang et al.; 0355)
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to implement the PSSCH capability of Hwang et al. into U.S. Patent No. 12058649. By modifying the processing/communications of U.S. Patent No. 12058649 to include the PSSCH capability as taught by the processing/communications of Hwang et al., the benefits of improved power consumption (Ye et al.; 0016) with reduced resource use (Hwang et al.; 0342) are achieved.
As to claim 17:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
The first UE of claim 6, wherein the first information for the PSFCH further includes
information on a time gap associated with the PSFCH, and information on a set of RBs for the PSFCH,
and
wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot in which the PSSCH is
received.
A terminal in a wireless communication system, the terminal comprising:
transceiver; and processor coupled with the transceiver and configured to:
receive a radio resource control (RRC) message including information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the information for the sidelink resource pool includes configuration information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) and information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and information on a period for the PSFCH, and transmit hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information in a first slot including PSFCH resources, wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot of a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), wherein a number of the PSFCH resources for multiplexing the HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the set of the RBs for the PSFCH, the period for the PSFCH, and the number of the subchannel, and wherein at least one RB for the PSFCH is allocated to a PSSCH slot associated with the first slot based on the period for the PSFCH and the number of the subchannel. (claim 6)
As to claim 18:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
The first UE of claim 7, wherein a number of the PSFCH resource for multiplexing the
HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the information on the set of the RBs, the information
on the period, and the second information on the number of the subchannel, and
wherein the PSFCH resource is indexed based on the information on the period for the PSFCH
and the second information on the number of the subchannel
A terminal in a wireless communication system, the terminal comprising:
transceiver; and processor coupled with the transceiver and configured to:
receive a radio resource control (RRC) message including information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the information for the sidelink resource pool includes configuration information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) and information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and information on a period for the PSFCH, and transmit hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information in a first slot including PSFCH resources, wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot of a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), wherein a number of the PSFCH resources for multiplexing the HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the set of the RBs for the PSFCH, the period for the PSFCH, and the number of the subchannel, and wherein at least one RB for the PSFCH is allocated to a PSSCH slot associated with the first slot based on the period for the PSFCH and the number of the subchannel. (claim 6)
The terminal of claim 6, wherein the PSFCH resources are indexed based on the period for the PSFCH, and the number of subchannel. (claim 8)
As to claim 19:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
The first UE of claim 6, wherein the controller is further configured to:
identify the PSFCH resource for a transmission of the PSFCH in response to reception of the
PSSCH, based on a physical layer source identity (ID) of the second UE and an ID of the first UE.
The terminal of claim 6, wherein the processor is configured to: identify a PSFCH resource corresponding to the PSSCH based on a source identity (ID) and an ID of the terminal. (claim 9)
As to claim 20:
U.S. Application 18792143
U.S. Patent No. 12058649
The method of claim 1, wherein the configuration information is received via radio resource control (RRC) signaling, and
A terminal in a wireless communication system, the terminal comprising:
transceiver; and processor coupled with the transceiver and configured to:
receive a radio resource control (RRC) message including information for a sidelink resource pool,
wherein the information for the sidelink resource pool includes configuration information for a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) and information on a number of a subchannel, and wherein the configuration information includes: information on a time gap, information on a set of resource blocks (RBs) for the PSFCH, and information on a period for the PSFCH, and transmit hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information in a first slot including PSFCH resources, wherein the first slot is at least one slot after the time gap from a slot of a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), wherein a number of the PSFCH resources for multiplexing the HARQ-ACK information is identified based on the set of the RBs for the PSFCH, the period for the PSFCH, and the number of the subchannel, and wherein at least one RB for the PSFCH is allocated to a PSSCH slot associated with the first slot based on the period for the PSFCH and the number of the subchannel. (claim 6)
U.S. Patent No. 12058649 as described above does not explicitly teach:
wherein the configuration information further includes third information for the PSSCH.
However, Hwang et al. further teaches a PSSCH capability which includes:
wherein the configuration information further includes third information for the PSSCH.
(“For example, in NR resource allocation mode 1, a UE may be provided with or allocated resources for one or more SL transmissions of one transport block (TB) by a dynamic grant from the BS. For example, the BS may provide the UE with resources for transmission of a PSCCH and/or a PSSCH by the dynamic grant. For example, a transmitting UE may report an SL hybrid automatic repeat request (SL HARQ) feedback received from a receiving UE to the BS. In this case, PUCCH resources and a timing for reporting the SL HARQ feedback to the BS may be determined based on an indication in a PDCCH, by which the BS allocates resources for SL transmission.”; Hwang et al.; 0159)
(“For example, in resource allocation mode 1, a time between the PSFCH and the PSSCH may be configured or preconfigured….”; Hwang et al.; 0265)
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to implement the PSSCH capability of Hwang et al. into U.S. Patent No. 12058649. By modifying the processing/communications of U.S. Patent No. 12058649 to include the PSSCH capability as taught by the processing/communications of Hwang et al., the benefits of improved power consumption (Ye et al.; 0016) with reduced resource use (Hwang et al.; 0342) are achieved.
Examiner Notes
Claims 1-20 are rejected under the ground of nonstatutory double patenting, however, the claims are not rejected under prior art.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MICHAEL K PHILLIPS whose telephone number is (571)272-1037. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8am-10am, 1pm-5pm.
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, Ricky Ngo can be reached on 571-272-3139. 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.
MICHAEL K. PHILLIPS
Examiner
Art Unit 2464
/MICHAEL K PHILLIPS/Examiner, Art Unit 2464
Prosecution Insights