Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 24, 2026
Application No. 18/834,543

TERMINAL, RADIO COMMUNICATION METHOD, AND BASE STATION

Non-Final OA §103§112
Filed
Jul 30, 2024
Priority
Feb 03, 2022 — nonprovisional of PCTJP2022004296
Examiner
RAHMAN, M MOSTAZIR
Art Unit
2411
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
68%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
1y 4m
Est. Remaining
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 68% — above average
68%
Career Allowance Rate
219 granted / 323 resolved
+9.8% vs TC avg
Strong +42% interview lift
Without
With
+42.0%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 7m
Avg Prosecution
41 currently pending
Career history
384
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
4.3%
-35.7% vs TC avg
§103
67.9%
+27.9% vs TC avg
§102
9.3%
-30.7% vs TC avg
§112
13.5%
-26.5% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 323 resolved cases

Office Action

§103 §112
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 . Preliminary Amendment Preliminary Amendment that was filed on 09/11/2025 is entered. Information Disclosure Statement The information disclosure statements (IDS) submitted on 07/30/2024, 04/15/2026 have been placed in record and considered by the examiner. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112 The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 112(a): (a) IN GENERAL.—The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor or joint inventor of carrying out the invention. The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112: The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Claims 10-14 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), first paragraph, as failing to comply with the written description requirement. The claim(s) contains subject matter which was not described in the specification in such a way as to reasonably convey to one skilled in the relevant art that the inventor or a joint inventor, or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the inventor(s), at the time the application was filed, had possession of the claimed invention. Claims 10/14 recite i.e. “… … an entry corresponding to a port index of the first DMRS is added to an entry corresponding to a port index of a second DMRS using an FD-OCC having a length of 2” (Emphasis added) . However, there is no support in the specification and drawings for this feature. The applicant’s specification, Matsumura et al. (US 20250158771 A1) paragraphs [0179]-[0187] shows as below; “Embodiment #1-1 [0179] This embodiment relates to a DMRS port table (association between DMRS parameter, DMRS port, and parameter. [0180] The UE may select a new table (DMRS port table) for DMRS port decision based on a higher layer configuration. In a case that the higher layer configures new DMRS ports (the number of which is more than the number of existing DMRS ports), the UE may select the new DMRS port table. [0181] A new DMRS port table for the DMRS configuration type 1 and a new DMRS port table for the DMRS configuration type 2 may be defined. In a case that the DMRS configuration type 1 and a higher layer parameter for the new DMRS port are configured, the UE may use the new DMRS port table for the DMRS configuration type 1, or in a case that the DMRS configuration type 1 is configured and a higher layer parameter for the new DMRS port is not configured, the UE may use the existing DMRS port table for the DMRS configuration type 1 (DMRS port table defined in Rel. 15). In a case that the DMRS configuration type 2 and a higher layer parameter for the new DMRS port are configured, the UE may use the new DMRS port table for the DMRS configuration type 2, or in a case that the DMRS configuration type 2 is configured and a higher layer parameter for the new DMRS port is not configured, the UE may use the existing DMRS port table for the DMRS configuration type 2 (DMRS port table defined in Rel. 15). [0182] The new DMRS port table may comply with any of tables 1 and 2 descried below. [Table 1] [0183] FIG. 17 shows an example of the table 1 for the DMRS configuration type 1. FIG. 18 shows an example of the table 1 for the DMRS configuration type 2. In the new DMRS port table, an entry (including at least one of the CDM group, Δ, the FD OCC, and the TD OCC) for an existing DMRS port index (1000 to 1007 for the DMRS configuration type 1, and 1000 to 1011 for the DMRS configuration type 2) is not changed. In the new DMRS port table, an entry for a new DMRS port index is added. [0184] According to this new DMRS port table, the specification and UE/base station implementation can be simplified. [Table 2] [0185] In the new DMRS port table, the entry (including at least one of the CDM group, A, the FD OCC, and the TD OCC) for the existing DMRS port index (1000 to 1007 for the DMRS configuration type 1, and 1000 to 1011 for the DMRS configuration type 2) is changed. The number of more continuous DMRS port indices can be assigned to the same CDM group. A plurality of DMRS ports in the same CDM group can be assigned to one UE in the MU-MIMO. [0186] FIGS. 19 and 20 show examples of the table 2 for the DMRS configuration type 1. In this new DMRS port table, the entries corresponding to the DMRS port indices 1000 to 1003 and 1012 to 1015 are same as those in the existing DMRS port table, and the entries corresponding to the DMRS port indices 1004 to 1011 are different from those in the existing DMRS port table. In the new DMRS port table in FIG. 19, the TD OCC for the DMRS port indices 1004 to 1007 are same as the TD OCC for the DMRS port indices 1000 to 1003. The order of the entries in this new DMRS port table is TD OCC, CDM group, and FD OCC, similar to the order of the entries in the existing new DMRS port table. In the new DMRS port table in FIG. 20, the CDM group for the DMRS port indices 1004 to 1007 are same as the CDM group for the DMRS port indices 1000 to 1003. In this new DMRS port table, the entry for one CDM group is continuous. [0187] FIGS. 21 and 22 show examples of the table 2 for the DMRS configuration type 2. In this new DMRS port table, the entries corresponding to the DMRS port indices and 1000 to 1003 are same as those in the existing DMRS port table, and the entries corresponding to the DMRS port indices 1004 to 1023 are different from those in the existing DMRS port table. In the new DMRS port table in FIG. 21, the TD OCC for the DMRS port indices 1004 to 1011 are different from the TD OCC for the DMRS port indices 1000 to 1003. The order of the entries in this new DMRS port table is TD OCC, CDM group, and FD OCC, similar to the order of the entries in the existing new DMRS port table. In the new DMRS port table in FIG. 22, the CDM group for the DMRS port indices 1004 to 1011 are same as the CDM group for the DMRS port indices 1000 to 1003. In this new DMRS port table, the entry for one CDM group is continuous.” Without identifying claim limitation “ … an entry corresponding to a port index of the first DMRS is added to an entry corresponding to a port index of a second DMRS using an FD-OCC having a length of 2”, it is uncertain and unclear how it is supported in the specification. MPEP 2163.01. Thus, Applicant does not appear to be in possession of the claimed subject matter. As such, the examiner has taken broadest reasonable interpretation, in light of the above specification, to reject the independent claims with respect to “… an entry corresponding to a port index of the first DMRS is added to an entry corresponding to a port index of a second DMRS using an FD-OCC having a length of 2.” Applicant is welcome to point out where in the specification the Examiner can find written description for the above-mentioned limitations if Applicant believes otherwise. All dependent claims, which depend on the above rejected independent claims are also interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth for their respective independent claims above. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112 The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b): (b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph: The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention. Claims 10-14 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention. Regarding claim 1, which draws to (all emphases below added by examiner) “Claims 10/ 14 recite i.e. “… … an entry corresponding to a port index of the first DMRS is added to an entry corresponding to a port index of a second DMRS …..” (Emphasis added) . This part of the claim has two indefiniteness issues: (1) regarding “an entry corresponding to a port index” (line 7) and “an entry corresponding to a port index” (line 8), it is unclear and thus indefinite, to one of ordinary skill in the art that. Under Broad Reasonable Interpretation (BRI) and within the claim context, the examiner believes that, it should read as “an entry corresponding to a port index” (line 7) and “the entry corresponding to a port index” (line 8),. If the applicant believe otherwise, the applicant must clarify this. For the examination purpose, this limitation will be interested as best understood by the examiner. All dependent claims, which depend on the above rejected independent claims are also interpreted and rejected for the same reason as set forth for their respective independent claims above. 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. Claims 10-14 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over JACOBSSON et al. (US 20250056556 A1; hereinafter as “JACOBSSON”, which has priority date August 30, 2021) in view of ZHANG et al. (US 20240275653 A1; hereinafter as “ZHANG”, which has priority date January 28, 2022). Examiner’s note: in what follows, references are drawn to JACOBSSON unless otherwise mentioned. Regarding claim 10, JACOBSSON teaches, A terminal (Fig. 7 : UE 110C or 110b or wireless device 110 ) comprising: a receiver (Fig. 8 UE with processor along with receiver ) that receives a configuration of a first demodulation reference signal (DMRS) using a frequency domain orthogonal cover code (FD-OCC) having a length of more than 2, for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) (see fig. 9 element 912 where aforesaid UE (==wireless device 110 ) receives/obtains DMRS from eNB “wireless device (e.g., wireless device 110) obtains an indication that a DMRS is based on a FD-OCC of length greater than two (e.g., 4, 6, or 8)”: [0153]; DMRS ports used for PUSCH transmission : [0019]; “Particular embodiments include updated RRC configuration for DMRS, including a new field for specifying a longer (e.g., length-4 or length-6) FD-OCC (or a number (larger than 2) of cyclic shifts). A gNB may signal dynamically (e.g., via downlink control information (DCI)) to the UE that an enhanced frequency-domain code is in use, which enables the UE to, e.g., correctly transmit DMRS for physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) in the uplink (e.g., how to map DMRS ports to transmission layers) and correctly receive DMRS for physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in the downlink (e.g., how to combine the received DMRS signal and demodulate PDSCH)”: [0061]); “ performed by a wireless device comprises obtaining an indication that a DMRS is based on a FD-OCC of length greater than two (e.g., 4, 6, or 8) and transmitting or receiving a number of DMRS based on the frequency domain coding.”: [0030]; and a processor (==Fig. 8 UE with processor along with receiver ) that controls, based on the configuration, transmission of the first DMRS, using an association corresponding to a port of the first DMRS (see fig. 9 element 914 “ the wireless device transmits (e.g., uplink) … a number of DMRS based on the frequency domain coding. The wireless device may transmit or receive the DMRS according to any of the embodiments and examples described herein.”: [0159] ; “ For single-symbol DMRS, there exist 4 and 6 orthogonal DMRS ports (2 DMRS ports per CDM group, separated using a length-2 FD-OCC) for type 1 and type 2, respectively. For double-symbol DM-RS, there exist 8 and 12 orthogonal DM-RS ports (4 DM-RS ports per CDM group, separated using a length-2 FD-OCC combined with a length-2 TD-OCC) for type 1 and type 2, respectively. “: [0012]; “ Table 1 and Table 2 show port-specific parameters for DMRS type 1 and type 2. Here, w.sub.f(k′), where k′∈{0,1}, is the FD-OCC and w.sub.t(l′), where l′=0 for single-symbol DMRS and l′∈{0,1} for double-symbol DMRS, is the TD-OCC. DMRS ports in different CDM groups are separated by different offsets and DMRS ports within the same CDM group are separated through coding”: [0018]; “ updated DMRS physical-resource mapping and port-specific parameters to support an increased number of DMRS ports”: [0063]; “ performed by a wireless device comprises obtaining an indication that a DMRS is based on a FD-OCC of length greater than two (e.g., 4, 6, or 8) and transmitting or receiving a number of DMRS based on the frequency domain coding.”: [0030]). While JACOBSSON teaches, “a processor that controls, based on the configuration, transmission of the first DMRS, using an association corresponding to a port of the first DMRS” ; JACOBSSON does not expressively disclose: wherein the association is defined so that an entry corresponding to a port index of the first DMRS is added to an entry corresponding to a port index of a second DMRS using an FD-OCC having a length of 2. ZHANG, in the same field of endeavor, discloses: wherein the association is defined so that an entry corresponding to a port index of the first DMRS is added to an entry corresponding to a port index of a second DMRS using an FD-OCC having a length of 2 ( “ the plurality of categories of DMRS ports includes a first category DMRS port with a first FD-OCC of length 2, and a second category DMRS port with a second FD-OCC of length L, where L is 3, 6 or 4]”: “ In some embodiments, for one CDM group, at least one of: the first category DMRS port with the first FD-OCC and the second category DMRS port with the second FD-OCC share a same DMRS port index; if the first DMRS table is for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), the first category DMRS port with the first FD-OCC and the second category DMRS port with the second FD-OCC would share a same DMRS port index; …;”: [0023]; [abstract] ; [0033]; [0250]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching of JACOBSSON to include the above recited limitations as taught by ZHANG. The suggestion/motivation would be to provide improved and adequate radio coverage for intended users : (ZHANG; [0090]). Regarding claim 11, JACOBSSON in view of ZHANG teaches the invention of claim 1 as set forth above. Further, JACOBSSON teaches, The terminal according to claim 10, further comprising a transmitter that transmits capability information indicating whether to support the first DMRS for both of a first DMRS mapping type and a second DMRS mapping type (see fig. 3-5 where UE provide capability; “ FIG. 3, there are more orthogonal DMRS ports in FIG. 5, which provides increased spatial-multiplexing capabilities. However, the spacing between DMRS is reduced, which results in reduced robustness towards channel delay spread.”: [0078]; [0111] ). Regarding claim 12, JACOBSSON teaches, A radio communication method for a terminal (Fig. 7 : UE 110C or 110b or wireless device 110 ), comprising: receiving a configuration of a first demodulation reference signal (DMRS) using a frequency domain orthogonal cover code (FD-OCC) having a length of more than 2, for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) ((see fig. 9 element 912 where aforesaid UE (==wireless device 110 ) receives/obtains DMRS from eNB “wireless device (e.g., wireless device 110) obtains an indication that a DMRS is based on a FD-OCC of length greater than two (e.g., 4, 6, or 8)”: [0153]; DMRS ports used for PUSCH transmission : [0019]; “Particular embodiments include updated RRC configuration for DMRS, including a new field for specifying a longer (e.g., length-4 or length-6) FD-OCC (or a number (larger than 2) of cyclic shifts). A gNB may signal dynamically (e.g., via downlink control information (DCI)) to the UE that an enhanced frequency-domain code is in use, which enables the UE to, e.g., correctly transmit DMRS for physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) in the uplink (e.g., how to map DMRS ports to transmission layers) and correctly receive DMRS for physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in the downlink (e.g., how to combine the received DMRS signal and demodulate PDSCH)”: [0061]); “ performed by a wireless device comprises obtaining an indication that a DMRS is based on a FD-OCC of length greater than two (e.g., 4, 6, or 8) and transmitting or receiving a number of DMRS based on the frequency domain coding.”: [0030];; and controlling, based on the configuration, transmission of the first DMRS, using an association corresponding to a port of the first DMRS (see fig. 9 element 914 “ the wireless device transmits (e.g., uplink) … a number of DMRS based on the frequency domain coding. The wireless device may transmit or receive the DMRS according to any of the embodiments and examples described herein.”: [0159] ; “ For single-symbol DMRS, there exist 4 and 6 orthogonal DMRS ports (2 DMRS ports per CDM group, separated using a length-2 FD-OCC) for type 1 and type 2, respectively. For double-symbol DM-RS, there exist 8 and 12 orthogonal DM-RS ports (4 DM-RS ports per CDM group, separated using a length-2 FD-OCC combined with a length-2 TD-OCC) for type 1 and type 2, respectively. “: [0012]; “ Table 1 and Table 2 show port-specific parameters for DMRS type 1 and type 2. Here, w.sub.f(k′), where k′∈{0,1}, is the FD-OCC and w.sub.t(l′), where l′=0 for single-symbol DMRS and l′∈{0,1} for double-symbol DMRS, is the TD-OCC. DMRS ports in different CDM groups are separated by different offsets and DMRS ports within the same CDM group are separated through coding”: [0018]; “ updated DMRS physical-resource mapping and port-specific parameters to support an increased number of DMRS ports”: [0063]; “ performed by a wireless device comprises obtaining an indication that a DMRS is based on a FD-OCC of length greater than two (e.g., 4, 6, or 8) and transmitting or receiving a number of DMRS based on the frequency domain coding.”: [0030]). While JACOBSSON teaches, “controlling, based on the configuration, transmission of the first DMRS, using an association corresponding to a port of the first DMRS” ; JACOBSSON does not expressively disclose: wherein the association is defined so that an entry corresponding to a port index of the first DMRS is added to an entry corresponding to a port index of a second DMRS using an FD-OCC having a length of 2. ZHANG, in the same field of endeavor, discloses: wherein the association is defined so that an entry corresponding to a port index of the first DMRS is added to an entry corresponding to a port index of a second DMRS using an FD-OCC having a length of 2 ( “ the plurality of categories of DMRS ports includes a first category DMRS port with a first FD-OCC of length 2, and a second category DMRS port with a second FD-OCC of length L, where L is 3, 6 or 4]”: “ In some embodiments, for one CDM group, at least one of: the first category DMRS port with the first FD-OCC and the second category DMRS port with the second FD-OCC share a same DMRS port index; if the first DMRS table is for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), the first category DMRS port with the first FD-OCC and the second category DMRS port with the second FD-OCC would share a same DMRS port index; …;”: [0023]; [abstract] ; [0033]; [0250]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching of JACOBSSON to include the above recited limitations as taught by ZHANG. The suggestion/motivation would be to provide improved and adequate radio coverage for intended users : (ZHANG; [0090]). Regarding claim 13, JACOBSSON teaches, A base station (see fig. 7 : network node 160 : [0098]; fig. 14: Base Station 520) comprising: a transmitter that transmits, to a terminal (==UE or wireless device in fig. 14, fig. 7 ), a configuration of a first demodulation reference signal (DMRS) using a frequency domain orthogonal cover code (FD-OCC) having a length of more than 2, for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) (see fig. 9 element 912 where aforesaid UE (==wireless device 110 ) receives/obtains DMRS from eNB “wireless device (e.g., wireless device 110) obtains an indication that a DMRS is based on a FD-OCC of length greater than two (e.g., 4, 6, or 8)”: [0153]; DMRS ports used for PUSCH transmission : [0019]; “Particular embodiments include updated RRC configuration for DMRS, including a new field for specifying a longer (e.g., length-4 or length-6) FD-OCC (or a number (larger than 2) of cyclic shifts). A gNB may signal dynamically (e.g., via downlink control information (DCI)) to the UE that an enhanced frequency-domain code is in use, which enables the UE to, e.g., correctly transmit DMRS for physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) in the uplink (e.g., how to map DMRS ports to transmission layers) and correctly receive DMRS for physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in the downlink (e.g., how to combine the received DMRS signal and demodulate PDSCH)”: [0061]); “ performed by a wireless device comprises obtaining an indication that a DMRS is based on a FD-OCC of length greater than two (e.g., 4, 6, or 8) and transmitting or receiving a number of DMRS based on the frequency domain coding.”: [0030]; and a processor that controls, based on the configuration, reception of the first DMRS, using an association corresponding to a port of the first DMRS (see fig. 9 element 914 “ the wireless device transmits (e.g., uplink) … a number of DMRS based on the frequency domain coding. The wireless device may transmit or receive the DMRS according to any of the embodiments and examples described herein.”: [0159] ; “ For single-symbol DMRS, there exist 4 and 6 orthogonal DMRS ports (2 DMRS ports per CDM group, separated using a length-2 FD-OCC) for type 1 and type 2, respectively. For double-symbol DM-RS, there exist 8 and 12 orthogonal DM-RS ports (4 DM-RS ports per CDM group, separated using a length-2 FD-OCC combined with a length-2 TD-OCC) for type 1 and type 2, respectively. “: [0012]; “ performed by a wireless device comprises obtaining an indication that a DMRS is based on a FD-OCC of length greater than two (e.g., 4, 6, or 8) and transmitting or receiving a number of DMRS based on the frequency domain coding.”: [0030]). While JACOBSSON teaches, “a processor that controls, based on the configuration, reception of the first DMRS, using an association corresponding to a port of the first DMRS” ; JACOBSSON does not expressively disclose: wherein the association is defined so that an entry corresponding to a port index of the first DMRS is added to an entry corresponding to a port index of a second DMRS using an FD-OCC having a length of 2. ZHANG, in the same field of endeavor, discloses: wherein the association is defined so that an entry corresponding to a port index of the first DMRS is added to an entry corresponding to a port index of a second DMRS using an FD-OCC having a length of ( “ the plurality of categories of DMRS ports includes a first category DMRS port with a first FD-OCC of length 2, and a second category DMRS port with a second FD-OCC of length L, where L is 3, 6 or 4]”: “ In some embodiments, for one CDM group, at least one of: the first category DMRS port with the first FD-OCC and the second category DMRS port with the second FD-OCC share a same DMRS port index; if the first DMRS table is for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), the first category DMRS port with the first FD-OCC and the second category DMRS port with the second FD-OCC would share a same DMRS port index; …;”: [0023]; [abstract] ; [0033]; [0250]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching of JACOBSSON to include the above recited limitations as taught by ZHANG. The suggestion/motivation would be to provide improved and adequate radio coverage for intended users : (ZHANG; [0090]). Regarding claim 14, JACOBSSON teaches, A system comprising a terminal and a base station (see fig. 7 , fig. 14 where UE/Wireless Device is in wireless commucnation with Base Station ), wherein the terminal (Fig. 7 : UE 110C or 110b or wireless device 110 ) comprises: a receiver that receives a configuration of a first demodulation reference signal (DMRS) using a frequency domain orthogonal cover code (FD-OCC) having a length of more than 2, for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) (see fig. 9 element 912 where aforesaid UE (==wireless device 110 ) receives/obtains DMRS from eNB “wireless device (e.g., wireless device 110) obtains an indication that a DMRS is based on a FD-OCC of length greater than two (e.g., 4, 6, or 8)”: [0153]; DMRS ports used for PUSCH transmission : [0019]; “Particular embodiments include updated RRC configuration for DMRS, including a new field for specifying a longer (e.g., length-4 or length-6) FD-OCC (or a number (larger than 2) of cyclic shifts). A gNB may signal dynamically (e.g., via downlink control information (DCI)) to the UE that an enhanced frequency-domain code is in use, which enables the UE to, e.g., correctly transmit DMRS for physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) in the uplink (e.g., how to map DMRS ports to transmission layers) and correctly receive DMRS for physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in the downlink (e.g., how to combine the received DMRS signal and demodulate PDSCH)”: [0061]); “ performed by a wireless device comprises obtaining an indication that a DMRS is based on a FD-OCC of length greater than two (e.g., 4, 6, or 8) and transmitting or receiving a number of DMRS based on the frequency domain coding.”: [0030]; and a processor that controls, based on the configuration, transmission of the first DMRS, using an association corresponding to a port of the first DMRS (see fig. 9 element 914 “ the wireless device transmits (e.g., uplink) … a number of DMRS based on the frequency domain coding. The wireless device may transmit or receive the DMRS according to any of the embodiments and examples described herein.”: [0159] ; “ For single-symbol DMRS, there exist 4 and 6 orthogonal DMRS ports (2 DMRS ports per CDM group, separated using a length-2 FD-OCC) for type 1 and type 2, respectively. For double-symbol DM-RS, there exist 8 and 12 orthogonal DM-RS ports (4 DM-RS ports per CDM group, separated using a length-2 FD-OCC combined with a length-2 TD-OCC) for type 1 and type 2, respectively. “: [0012]; “ performed by a wireless device comprises obtaining an indication that a DMRS is based on a FD-OCC of length greater than two (e.g., 4, 6, or 8) and transmitting or receiving a number of DMRS based on the frequency domain coding.”: [0030]), and the base station (see fig. 7 , Fig. 14: network node/base station ) comprises: a transmitter that transmits the configuration to the terminal ) (see fig. 9 element 912 where aforesaid UE (==wireless device 110 ) receives/obtains DMRS from eNB “wireless device (e.g., wireless device 110) obtains an indication that a DMRS is based on a FD-OCC of length greater than two (e.g., 4, 6, or 8)”: [0153]; DMRS ports used for PUSCH transmission : [0019]; “Particular embodiments include updated RRC configuration for DMRS, including a new field for specifying a longer (e.g., length-4 or length-6) FD-OCC (or a number (larger than 2) of cyclic shifts). A gNB may signal dynamically (e.g., via downlink control information (DCI)) to the UE that an enhanced frequency-domain code is in use, which enables the UE to, e.g., correctly transmit DMRS for physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) in the uplink (e.g., how to map DMRS ports to transmission layers) and correctly receive DMRS for physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in the downlink (e.g., how to combine the received DMRS signal and demodulate PDSCH)”: [0061]); “ performed by a wireless device comprises obtaining an indication that a DMRS is based on a FD-OCC of length greater than two (e.g., 4, 6, or 8) and transmitting or receiving a number of DMRS based on the frequency domain coding.”: [0030] ; and a processor that controls, based on the configuration, reception of the first DMRS, first DMRS is added to an entry corresponding to a port index of a second DMRS using an FD-OCC having a length of 2 (see fig. 9 element 914 “ the wireless device transmits (e.g., uplink) … a number of DMRS based on the frequency domain coding. The wireless device may transmit or receive the DMRS according to any of the embodiments and examples described herein.”: [0159] ; “ For single-symbol DMRS, there exist 4 and 6 orthogonal DMRS ports (2 DMRS ports per CDM group, separated using a length-2 FD-OCC) for type 1 and type 2, respectively. For double-symbol DM-RS, there exist 8 and 12 orthogonal DM-RS ports (4 DM-RS ports per CDM group, separated using a length-2 FD-OCC combined with a length-2 TD-OCC) for type 1 and type 2, respectively. “: [0012]; “ performed by a wireless device comprises obtaining an indication that a DMRS is based on a FD-OCC of length greater than two (e.g., 4, 6, or 8) and transmitting or receiving a number of DMRS based on the frequency domain coding.”: [0030]). While JACOBSSON teaches, “first DMRS is added to an entry corresponding to a port index of a second DMRS using an FD-OCC having a length of 2” ; JACOBSSON does not expressively disclose: wherein the association is defined so that an entry corresponding to a port index of the first DMRS is added to an entry corresponding to a port index of a second DMRS using an FD-OCC having a length of 2. ZHANG, in the same field of endeavor, discloses: wherein the association is defined so that an entry corresponding to a port index of the first DMRS is added to an entry corresponding to a port index of a second DMRS using an FD-OCC having a length of 2 ( “ the plurality of categories of DMRS ports includes a first category DMRS port with a first FD-OCC of length 2, and a second category DMRS port with a second FD-OCC of length L, where L is 3, 6 or 4]”: “ In some embodiments, for one CDM group, at least one of: the first category DMRS port with the first FD-OCC and the second category DMRS port with the second FD-OCC share a same DMRS port index; if the first DMRS table is for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), the first category DMRS port with the first FD-OCC and the second category DMRS port with the second FD-OCC would share a same DMRS port index; …;”: [0023]; [abstract] ; [0033]; [0250]). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching of JACOBSSON to include the above recited limitations as taught by ZHANG. The suggestion/motivation would be to provide improved and adequate radio coverage for intended users : (ZHANG; [0090]). Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant’s disclosure. See PTO 892. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to M MOSTAZIR RAHMAN whose telephone number is (571)272-4785. The examiner can normally be reached 8:30am-5:00pm PST. 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, Derrick Ferris can be reached at 571-272-3123. 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. /M Mostazir Rahman/Examiner, Art Unit 2411 /DERRICK W FERRIS/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2411
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Prosecution Timeline

Jul 30, 2024
Application Filed
Sep 30, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103, §112 (current)

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1-2
Expected OA Rounds
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3y 7m (~1y 4m remaining)
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