Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 02, 2026
Application No. 18/819,828

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HYBRID AUTOMATIC REPEAT REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR TWO STAGE DOWNLINK CONTROL INFORMATION

Non-Final OA §102§Other
Filed
Aug 29, 2024
Priority
Mar 02, 2022 — continuation of PCTCN2022078719
Examiner
CHERY, DADY
Art Unit
Tech Center
Assignee
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
88%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
5m
Est. Remaining
97%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 88% — above average
88%
Career Allowance Rate
1310 granted / 1488 resolved
+28.0% vs TC avg
Moderate +9% lift
Without
With
+9.3%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 6m
Avg Prosecution
31 currently pending
Career history
1510
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
6.7%
-33.3% vs TC avg
§103
30.3%
-9.7% vs TC avg
§102
32.4%
-7.6% vs TC avg
§112
6.4%
-33.6% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 1488 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §Other
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 . 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)(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) 1-20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102a1 as being anticipated by Sun et al. (US Application 2018/0124753, hereinafter Sun). Regarding claims 1, 14,Sun discloses an apparatus (Figs. 5, 6) comprising at least one processor (604) coupled with a non-transitory computer-readable medium (605) having stored thereon, computer executable instructions([0099]-[0100]), that when executed cause the at least one processor to perform a method(Figs. 1,5, 7,10) comprising: receiving, by a user equipment (UE) in a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a first stage downlink control information (DCI) of two stage DCI, the first stage DCI (Abstract, [0083],[0112]-[0116], which recites various control information, including a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carrying downlink control information (DCI) for one or more scheduled entities, may be transmitted. The DCI of a PDCCH may be split into a first DCI control portion (DCI-1) 706 and a second control portion (DCI-2) 710. DCI-1 706 may be transmitted within the DL burst 702 of the slot 700, while DCI-2 may be transmitted within the downlink traffic region 704 of the slot 700) comprising: scheduling information for a second stage DCI of the two stage DCI, wherein the scheduling information identifies a first physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) that is a physical channel without data transmission(Abstract, [0083],[0112]-[0116], which recites various control information, including a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carrying downlink control information (DCI) for one or more scheduled entities, may be transmitted. The DCI of a PDCCH may be split into a first DCI control portion (DCI-1) 706 and a second control portion (DCI-2) 710. DCI-1 706 may be transmitted within the DL burst 702 of the slot 700, while DCI-2 may be transmitted within the downlink traffic region 704 of the slot 700); and an indication as to whether the scheduling information for the second stage DCI is for scheduling an initial transmission or a retransmission of the second stage DCI; and receiving, by the UE in the first stage DCI(Abstract, [0002], [0083],[0112]-[0116], which recites transmission of downlink control information (DCI). Embodiments can provide techniques for piggybacking the DCI in the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)) as follows: receiving, by the UE in the first stage DCI, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) configuration information for HARQ feedback for the initial transmission of the second stage DCI(Abstract, [0002], [0083],[0112]-[0116], which recites the DCI of a PDCCH may be split into a first DCI control portion (DCI-1) 706 and a second control portion (DCI-2) 710. DCI-1 706 may be transmitted within the DL burst 702 of the slot 700, while DCI-2 may be transmitted within the downlink traffic region 704 of the slot 700. Thus, DCI-2 710 may be time division multiplexed and/or frequency division multiplexed with downlink user data traffic within the downlink traffic region 704 of the slot 700. DCI-1 706 may include, for example, initial control information regarding a downlink assignment, while DCI-2 710 may include, for example, remaining control information regarding the downlink assignment. In some examples, the initial control information may include the resource assignment, rank and modulation order of the downlink assignment. In some examples, the remaining control information may include non-time critical control information, such as the HARQ process ID, redundancy version ID, a new data indicator, transmit power control indicator, channel quality indicator request, sounding reference signal request, or downlink assignment index); or receiving, by the UE, in the first stage DCI, HARQ configuration information for HARQ feedback for the retransmission of the second stage DCI and HARQ configuration information for HARQ feedback for a second PDSCH comprising data transmission scheduled by the retransmission of the second stage DCI(Abstract, [0002], [0083],[0112]-[0116], which recites the DCI of a PDCCH may be split into a first DCI control portion (DCI-1) 706 and a second control portion (DCI-2) 710. DCI-1 706 may be transmitted within the DL burst 702 of the slot 700, while DCI-2 may be transmitted within the downlink traffic region 704 of the slot 700. Thus, DCI-2 710 may be time division multiplexed and/or frequency division multiplexed with downlink user data traffic within the downlink traffic region 704 of the slot 700. DCI-1 706 may include, for example, initial control information regarding a downlink assignment, while DCI-2 710 may include, for example, remaining control information regarding the downlink assignment. In some examples, the initial control information may include the resource assignment, rank and modulation order of the downlink assignment. In some examples, the remaining control information may include non-time critical control information, such as the HARQ process ID, redundancy version ID, a new data indicator, transmit power control indicator, channel quality indicator request, sounding reference signal request, or downlink assignment index). Regarding claim 8, Sun discloses a method(Figs. 1,5, 7,10), comprising: transmitting, by a base station in a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a first stage downlink control information (DCI) of two stage DCI, the first stage DCI (Abstract, [0083],[0112]-[0116], which recites various control information, including a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carrying downlink control information (DCI) for one or more scheduled entities, may be transmitted. The DCI of a PDCCH may be split into a first DCI control portion (DCI-1) 706 and a second control portion (DCI-2) 710. DCI-1 706 may be transmitted within the DL burst 702 of the slot 700, while DCI-2 may be transmitted within the downlink traffic region 704 of the slot 700) comprising: scheduling information for a second stage DCI of the two stage DCI, wherein the scheduling information identifies a first physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) that is a physical channel without data transmission(Abstract, [0083],[0112]-[0116], which recites various control information, including a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carrying downlink control information (DCI) for one or more scheduled entities, may be transmitted. The DCI of a PDCCH may be split into a first DCI control portion (DCI-1) 706 and a second control portion (DCI-2) 710. DCI-1 706 may be transmitted within the DL burst 702 of the slot 700, while DCI-2 may be transmitted within the downlink traffic region 704 of the slot 700); and an indication as to whether the scheduling information for the second stage DCI is for scheduling an initial transmission or a retransmission of the second stage DCI(Abstract, [0002], [0083],[0112]-[0116], which recites transmission of downlink control information (DCI). Embodiments can provide techniques for piggybacking the DCI in the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)); and transmitting, by the base station in the first DCI, as follows: transmitting, by the base station in the first stage DCI, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) configuration information for HARQ feedback for an initial transmission of the second stage DCI(Abstract, [0002], [0083],[0112]-[0116], which recites the DCI of a PDCCH may be split into a first DCI control portion (DCI-1) 706 and a second control portion (DCI-2) 710. DCI-1 706 may be transmitted within the DL burst 702 of the slot 700, while DCI-2 may be transmitted within the downlink traffic region 704 of the slot 700. Thus, DCI-2 710 may be time division multiplexed and/or frequency division multiplexed with downlink user data traffic within the downlink traffic region 704 of the slot 700. DCI-1 706 may include, for example, initial control information regarding a downlink assignment, while DCI-2 710 may include, for example, remaining control information regarding the downlink assignment. In some examples, the initial control information may include the resource assignment, rank and modulation order of the downlink assignment. In some examples, the remaining control information may include non-time critical control information, such as the HARQ process ID, redundancy version ID, a new data indicator, transmit power control indicator, channel quality indicator request, sounding reference signal request, or downlink assignment index); or transmitting, by the base station, in the first stage DCI, HARQ configuration information for HARQ feedback for a retransmission of the second stage DCI and HARQ configuration information for HARQ feedback for a second PDSCH comprising data transmission scheduled by the retransmission of the second stage DCI(Abstract, [0002], [0083],[0112]-[0116], which recites the DCI of a PDCCH may be split into a first DCI control portion (DCI-1) 706 and a second control portion (DCI-2) 710. DCI-1 706 may be transmitted within the DL burst 702 of the slot 700, while DCI-2 may be transmitted within the downlink traffic region 704 of the slot 700. Thus, DCI-2 710 may be time division multiplexed and/or frequency division multiplexed with downlink user data traffic within the downlink traffic region 704 of the slot 700. DCI-1 706 may include, for example, initial control information regarding a downlink assignment, while DCI-2 710 may include, for example, remaining control information regarding the downlink assignment. In some examples, the initial control information may include the resource assignment, rank and modulation order of the downlink assignment. In some examples, the remaining control information may include non-time critical control information, such as the HARQ process ID, redundancy version ID, a new data indicator, transmit power control indicator, channel quality indicator request, sounding reference signal request, or downlink assignment index). Regarding claims 2, 9, 15, Sun discloses the method of claim 1, wherein: when the scheduling information is for the initial transmission, the HARQ configuration information is selected from a set of values, the set of values comprising values of HARQ feedback timing for the second stage DCI; or when the scheduling information is for the retransmission, the HARQ configuration information is selected from a set of pairs of values, the set of pairs of values comprising pairs of values of HARQ feedback timing for the retransmission of the second stage DCI and HARQ timing for the second PDSCH(Abstract, [0002], [0083],[0112]-[0116]). Regarding claims 3, 10, 16, Sun discloses the method of claim 2, wherein the values of HARQ feedback timing are values indicating an offset between a reference slot and an uplink (UL) slot where an acknowledgement (ACK) feedback or negative acknowledgement (NACK) feedback is scheduled for the data transmission(Abstract, [0002], [0083],[0112]-[0116]). Regarding claims 4, 11,17, Sun discloses the method of claim 3, wherein the reference slot is a DL slot where the data transmission is scheduled on the second PDSCH(Abstract, [0002], [0083],[0112]-[0116]). Regarding claims 5, 12, 18, Sun discloses the method of claim 1, wherein: when the scheduling information is for the initial transmission, the HARQ configuration information is selected from a set of values, the set of values comprising values of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource information for sending the HARQ feedback for the second stage DCI; or when the scheduling information is for the retransmission, the HARQ configuration information is selected from a set of pairs of values, the set of pairs of values comprising pairs of values of PUCCH resource information for the retransmission of the second stage DCI and for the PUCCH resource information for the second PDSCH(Abstract, [0002], [0083],[0112]-[0116]). Regarding claims 6, 19, Sun discloses the method of claim 1, wherein the HARQ configuration information is a bit map value that corresponds to one set of values for the initial transmission or one set of pairs of values for the retransmission(Abstract, [0002], [0083],[0112]-[0116]). Regarding claims 7, 13, 20, Sun discloses the method of claim 1, wherein: in response to a PUCCH resource of the HARQ feedback for the second stage DCI and the HARQ feedback for the second PDSCH being non-overlapping in time domain, transmitting, by the UE, HARQ feedback on two PUCCH; and in response to the PUCCH resource of the HARQ feedback for the second stage DCI and the HARQ feedback for the second PDSCH overlapping in the time domain, transmitting HARQ feedback on the PUCCH for second stage DCI and not transmitting the HARQ feedback for the second PDSCH(Abstract, [0002], [0083],[0112]-[0116]). Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to DADY CHERY whose telephone number is (571)270-1207. The examiner can normally be reached M to T, 8 am to 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, Moo Jeong can be reached at 571-272-9617. 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. /DADY CHERY/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2418
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Prosecution Timeline

Aug 29, 2024
Application Filed
Sep 14, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §Other (current)

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
88%
Grant Probability
97%
With Interview (+9.3%)
2y 6m (~5m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 1488 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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