Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 01, 2026
Application No. 18/858,739

METHOD FOR REDUCING POSITIONING POWER CONSUMPTION, NETWORK ELEMENT, TERMINAL, APPARATUS AND STORAGE MEDIUM

Non-Final OA §102
Filed
Oct 21, 2024
Priority
May 06, 2022 — CN 202210489993.8 +1 more
Examiner
NIKMANESH, SEAHVOSH J
Art Unit
Tech Center
Assignee
Datang Mobile Communications Equipment Co., Ltd.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
86%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
3m
Est. Remaining
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 86% — above average
86%
Career Allowance Rate
570 granted / 661 resolved
+26.2% vs TC avg
Moderate +13% lift
Without
With
+12.7%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 2m
Avg Prosecution
16 currently pending
Career history
665
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
3.7%
-36.3% vs TC avg
§103
33.6%
-6.4% vs TC avg
§102
38.9%
-1.1% vs TC avg
§112
9.3%
-30.7% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 661 resolved cases

Office Action

§102
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 . This is in response to the Information Disclosure Statement filed 10/29/2025. Priority Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55. Information Disclosure Statement The Information Disclosure Statements filed 10/21/2024 and 10/29/2025 have been considered. 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. (a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claim(s) 1-4, 9, 11-12, 14-20, 25, 27-28, 30-32 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) and/or 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Kumar et al., US PGPub 2020/0068472 A1. Regarding claim 1, Kumar et al., shows a method for low power positioning, performed by a first network function, comprising: transmitting a first message to a second network function or a third network function (Fig.1; [0038]-[0039]), wherein the first message carries a low power indication and/or area information ([0040]-[0041] and [0065]-[0066] e.g. LPP), the low power indication is used to indicate performing low power location request procedure ([0065]-[0066]), and the area information is used to indicate an area inside which a user equipment (UE) is allowed to transmit an event report.([0066]-[0067] Fig. 2, 3, 5, 7 11 [0124]-[0125] ) PNG media_image1.png 486 822 media_image1.png Greyscale Kumar Fig. 2 and 5 PNG media_image2.png 618 582 media_image2.png Greyscale PNG media_image3.png 806 396 media_image3.png Greyscale b. Regarding claim 2, Kumar et al., shows the method of claim 1, wherein before transmitting the first message to the second network function or the third network function (Fig.1; [0038]-[0039]), the method further comprises: determining that first information carries the low power indication ([0066] e.g. LPP message), wherein the first information comprises at least one of the following: a UE capability, a client request message, a UE request message, a location service (LCS) [0048] quality of service (QoS) [0050], UE subscription information, a serving cell of a UE, a network capability, an operator policy, an LCS client type or a service type; or receiving a positioning request message from a fourth network function, wherein the positioning request message carries the low power indication (Fig. 2, 3, 5, and 6; [0065]-[0067] e.g. LPP capabilities request and response, measurements and location information [0124]-[0125]). c. Regarding claim 3, Kumar et al., shows the method of claim 1, wherein before transmitting the first message to the second network function or the third network function, the method further comprises: receiving a second message from a UE or the second network function, wherein the second message carries at least one of the following: first capability information, a low power location request message, or the low power indication, wherein the first capability information is used to indicate that the UE supports the low power location request procedure ( Fig. 2, 3, 5, and 6; [0065]-[0067] e.g. LPP capabilities request and response, measurements, and location information [0124]-[0125]). d. Regarding claim 4, Kumar et al., shows the method of claim 3, further comprising: transmitting a third message to the third network function; receiving a third reply message from the third network function, wherein the third reply message carries the low power positioning configuration information; and transmitting a second reply message to the UE or the second network function, wherein the second reply message carries low power positioning configuration information (Fig.5 and 6; [0065]-[0067] and [0124]-[0125]). e. Regarding claim 9, Kumar et al., shows a method for low power positioning, performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: determining a low power indication or low power positioning configuration information; and performing low power location request procedure based on the low power indication or the low power positioning configuration information; and/or determining area information; and transmitting an event report to a first network function in case that the UE is inside an area indicated by the area information (Fig. 1- 6, 9, and 11; [0056]-[0067] e.g. LPP capabilities request and response, measurements and location information and [0079]]-[0080] e.g. ongoing positioning session and report to network and handover [0124]-[0125]). f. Regarding claim 11, Kumar et al., shows the method of claim 9, wherein performing the low power location request procedure comprises: performing location measurement in an idle state or in an inactive state (Fig. 5 and 9; [0082]-[0084] e.g. before timeout … signal strength below threshold… and determining that the mobile device does not have sufficient positioning measurements to report). g. Regarding claim 12, Kumar et al., shows the method of claim 9,further comprising: transmitting a second message to the first network function, wherein the second message carries at least one of the following: first capability information, a low power location request message, or the low power indication, wherein the first capability information is used to indicate that the UE supports the low power location request procedure (Fig. 5 and 11; [0065]-[0067]; e.g. procedure used to position the mobile device in order to support various location related services). h. Regarding claim 14, Kumar et al., shows a method for low power positioning, performed by a third network function, comprising: transmitting low power positioning configuration information and/or area information to a user equipment (UE), wherein the area information is used to indicate an area inside which the UE is allowed to transmit an event report (Fig. 5 and 11; [0065]-[0067]; e.g. procedure used to position the mobile device in order to support various location related services [0077]-[0078] report to enable location server to determine an accurate position estimate). i. Regarding claim 15, Kumar et al., shows the method of claim 14, wherein before transmitting the low power positioning configuration information and/or the area information to the UE, the method further comprises: determining to perform the low power location request procedure; or receiving a first message from a first network function, wherein the first message carries a low power indication and/or the area information, the low power indication is used to indicate performing low power location request procedure, and the area information is used to indicate the area inside which the UE is allowed to transmit the event report; or receiving a third message from the first network function, wherein the third message is used to request the low power positioning configuration information (Fig. 5 and 11; [0065]-[0067]; e.g. procedure used to position the mobile device in order to support various location related services [0077]-[0078] report to enable location server to determine an accurate position estimate RSRP RSRQ monitoring and reporting and responses). j. Regarding claim 16, Kumar et al., shows the method of claim 15, wherein transmitting the low power positioning configuration information to the UE comprises one of the following: directly transmitting the low power positioning configuration information to the UE; transmitting a first reply message to a first network function, wherein the first reply message carries the low power positioning configuration information; or transmitting a third reply message to a first network function, wherein the third reply message carries the low power positioning configuration information (Fig. 5 and 11; [0065]-[0067]; e.g. procedure used to position the mobile device in order to support various location related services [0077]-[0078] report to enable location server to determine an accurate position estimate RSRP RSRQ monitoring and reporting and responses). k. Regarding claim 17, Kumar et al., shows a first network function, comprising a memory, a transceiver and a processor, wherein the memory is used for storing a computer program, the transceiver is used for transmitting and receiving data under control of the processor, and the processor is used for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the method of claim 1 ([0066]-[0067] also see claim 1 above). l. Regarding claim 18, Kumar et al., shows the first network function of claim 17, wherein the processor is further used for: determining that first information carries the low power indication (Fig.1; [0038]-[0039]), wherein the first information comprises at least one of the following ([0066] e.g. LPP message): a UE capability, a client request message, a UE request message, a location service (LCS) [0048] quality of service (QoS) [0050], UE subscription information, a serving cell of a UE, a network capability, an operator policy, an LCS client type or a service type; or the processor is further used for: receiving a positioning request message from a fourth network function, wherein the positioning request message carries the low power indication (Fig. 2, 3, 5, and 6; [0065]-[0067] e.g. LPP capabilities request and response, measurements and location information [0124]-[0125]). m. Regarding claim 19, Kumar et al., shows the first network function of claim 17, wherein the processor is further used for: receiving a second message from a UE or the second network function, wherein the second message carries at least one of the following: first capability information, a low power location request message, or the low power indication, wherein the first capability information is used to indicate that the UE supports the low power location request procedure( Fig. 2, 3, 5, and 6; [0065]-[0067] e.g. LPP capabilities request and response, measurements, and location information [0124]-[0125]). n. Regarding claim 20, Kumar et al., shows the first network function of claim 19, wherein the processor is further used for: transmitting a third message to the third network function; receiving a third reply message from the third network function, wherein the third reply message carries the low power positioning configuration information; and transmitting a second reply message to the UE or the second network function, wherein the second reply message carries low power positioning configuration information (Fig.5 and 6; [0065]-[0067] and [0124]-[0125]). o. Regarding claim 25, Kumar et al., shows a user equipment (UE), comprising a memory, a transceiver and a processor, wherein the memory is used for storing a computer program, the transceiver is used for transmitting and receiving data under control of the processor, and the processor is used for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the method of claim 9 (120; Fig. 1-3 and 5-6; [0036]-[0039]; e.g. Mobile device). PNG media_image4.png 492 398 media_image4.png Greyscale p. Regarding claim 27, Kumar et al., shows the UE of claim 25, wherein performing the low power location request procedure comprises: performing location measurement in an idle state or in an inactive state (Fig. 5 and 9; [0082]-[0084] e.g. before timeout … signal strength below threshold… and determining that the mobile device does not have sufficient positioning measurements to report). q. Regarding claim 28, Kumar et al., shows the UE of claim 25,wherein the processor is further used for: transmitting a second message to the first network function, wherein the second message carries at least one of the following: first capability information, a low power location request message, or the low power indication, wherein the first capability information is used to indicate that the UE supports the low power location request procedure. r. Regarding claim 30, Kumar et al., shows a third network function, comprising a memory, a transceiver and a processor, wherein the memory is used for storing a computer program, the transceiver is used for transmitting and receiving data under control of the processor, and the processor is used for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the method of claim 14 (Fig. 1-4; [0015]-[0016] see claim 14 above). PNG media_image5.png 442 724 media_image5.png Greyscale PNG media_image6.png 718 444 media_image6.png Greyscale s. Regarding claim 31, Kumar et al., shows the third network function of claim 30, wherein the processor is further used for: determining to perform the low power location request procedure; or receiving a first message from a first network function, wherein the first message carries a low power indication and/or the area information, the low power indication is used to indicate performing low power location request procedure, and the area information is used to indicate the area inside which the UE is allowed to transmit the event report; or receiving a third message from the first network function, wherein the third message is used to request the low power positioning configuration information (Fig. 1-5 and 11; [0015]-[0016] see claim 14 above, [0065]-[0067] and [0082]-[0088]; the reporting of artificial handover measurements.. Switching mode…allows for the measurements or signal strength information). t. Regarding claim 32, Kumar et al., shows the third network function of claim 31, wherein transmitting the low power positioning configuration information to the UE comprises one of the following: directly transmitting the low power positioning configuration information to the UE; transmitting a first reply message to a first network function [0061]-[0062], wherein the first reply message carries the low power positioning configuration information [0065]; or transmitting a third reply message to a first network function, wherein the third reply message carries the low power positioning configuration information ([0065]-[0067] and [0082]-[0088]; the reporting of artificial handover measurements.. Switching mode…allows for the measurements or signal strength information). Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Edge, US PGPub 2018/0054796 A1. (Figs. 1-3; [0057], [0060]-[0062]) shows a system, method, and network similar to the instant claims and should be considered when providing amendments for the instant application. PNG media_image7.png 474 734 media_image7.png Greyscale PNG media_image8.png 518 714 media_image8.png Greyscale Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to SEAHVOSH J NIKMANESH whose telephone number is (571)270-5549. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 9-5. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Yuwen Pan can be reached at (571)272-7855. 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. /Seahvosh Nikmanesh/ Examiner, Art Unit 2649 /YUWEN PAN/ Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2649
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Prosecution Timeline

Oct 21, 2024
Application Filed
Sep 22, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
86%
Grant Probability
99%
With Interview (+12.7%)
2y 2m (~3m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 661 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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