Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 02, 2026
Application No. 18/859,210

SCHEDULING PHYSICAL DOWNLINK SHARED CHANNEL DESIGNS FOR NON-TERRESTRIAL NETWORK ENHANCEMENTS

Non-Final OA §102§103
Filed
Oct 23, 2024
Priority
Apr 28, 2022 — provisional 63/363,725 +1 more
Examiner
TON, DANG T
Art Unit
Tech Center
Assignee
Apple Inc.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
89%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
3m
Est. Remaining
90%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 89% — above average
89%
Career Allowance Rate
556 granted / 625 resolved
+29.0% vs TC avg
Minimal +1% lift
Without
With
+0.9%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 2m
Avg Prosecution
25 currently pending
Career history
644
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
3.9%
-36.1% vs TC avg
§103
45.9%
+5.9% vs TC avg
§102
26.2%
-13.8% vs TC avg
§112
7.8%
-32.2% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 625 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §103
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . 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. Claims 1,3,5-8,11, and 13-15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a1) as being anticipated by WO 2021/161639 A1 (PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP AME). For independent claim 1, WO 2021/161639 A1 (PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP AME) discloses a method of a user equipment, UE, ([0089]: "FIG. 10 illustrates configuration method 1-2 for configuring the MAC CE action slot. FIG. 10 illustrates DL transmission slots and UL reception slots for the base station (gNB), and DL reception slots and UL transmission slots for the terminal (UE)"), comprising: receiving, from a base station, an ultra-compact downlink control information, DCI, that schedules one or more scheduling physical downlink shared channels, PDSCHs (Fig. 10: "MAC CE"; [0090]: "the downlink MAC CE action slot is configured with reference to the PDSCH slot based on the offset value (KMAC_ACTION2) notified by base station 200 to terminal 100" and the offset value represents the downlink control information; see also point 6.1 below); receiving, from the base station, the one or more scheduling PDSCHs, the one or more scheduling PDSCHs comprising a medium access control element, MAC CE, having first fields for a data PDSCH (Fig. 10: "MAC CE"; [0092]: "Terminal 100 and base station 200 configure the uplink MAC CE action slot (slot (A) with a star mark in FIG. 10) with reference to the PDSCH slot. The uplink MAC CE action slot for the HARQ-ACK slot (n') in response to the PDSCH including the MAC CE is the slot (n' + 3Nslot), and the uplink MAC CE action slot for the PDSCH slot (n) is the slot (n + 3Nslot + Koffset + K1). (In the case of X = 3)"; [0093]: "Terminal 100 and base station 200 configure the downlink MAC CE action slot (slot (B) with a star mark in FIG. 10) with reference to the PDSCH slot. The downlink MAC CE action slot for the PDSCH slot (n) is the slot (n + 3Nslot + Koffset + KMAC_ACTION2). Therefore, terminal 100 can configure the downlink MAC CE action slot without considering the correction value (K1) of the HARQ-ACK timing" and therefore MAC CE activation command is in itself a reference time for transmitting; decoding the MAC CE from the one or more scheduling PDSCHs ([0094]: "Further, appropriate configuration of KMAC_ACTION2 allows base station 200 to have adequate time before starting the MAC CE action after base station 200 receives the HARQ-ACK (positive acknowledgement). Thus, terminal 100 is capable of starting the MAC CE action after confirming that the terminal receives the MAC CE correctly"); and receiving, from the base station, the data PDSCH, wherein the data PDSCH corresponds to data of the first fields (Fig. 10: [0092]: "Terminal 100 and base station 200 configure the uplink MAC CE action slot (slot (A) with a star mark in FIG. 10) with reference to the PDSCH slot. The uplink MAC CE action slot for the HARQ-ACK slot (n') in response to the PDSCH including the MAC CE is the slot (n' + 3Nslot), and the uplink MAC CE action slot for the PDSCH slot (n) is the slot (n + 3Nslot + Koffset + K1). (In the case of X = 3)"; [0093]: "Terminal 100 and base station 200 configure the downlink MAC CE action slot (slot (B) with a star mark in FIG. 10) with reference to the PDSCH slot. The downlink MAC CE action slot for the PDSCH slot (n) is the slot (n + 3Nslot + Koffset + KMAC_ACTION2). Therefore, terminal 100 can configure the downlink MAC CE action slot without considering the correction value (K1) of the HARQ-ACK timing" and therefore MAC CE activation command is in itself a reference time for transmitting PDSCH/PUSCHs, i.e. it represents the "first fields"). For the independent claim 11 is rejected for the same reason as in claim 1. For dependent claims 3,5-8, and 13-15, WO 2021/161639 A1 (PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP AME) also discloses the additional features of these claims (Fig. 10: [0094]: "Further, appropriate configuration of KMAC_ACTION2 allows base station 200 to have adequate time before starting the MAC CE action after base station 200 receives the HARQ- ACK (positive acknowledgement). Thus, terminal 100 is capable of starting the MAC CE action after confirming that the terminal receives the MAC CE correctly" and therefore the MAC CE information in itself represents the second fields as the HARQ-ACK is transmitted in response to it). WO 2021/161639 A1 (PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP AME) also disclosed the additional features of these claims as receiving the MAC CE is the indication to use the K3 or K4 time gap to apply the MAC CE command that is inevitably larger than an RTT to allow reception of the HARQ- ACK feedback (Fig. 10: [0092]: "Terminal 100 and base station 200 configure the uplink MAC CE action slot (slot (A) with a star mark in FIG. 10) with reference to the PDSCH slot. The uplink MAC CE action slot for the HARQ-ACK slot (n') in response to the PDSCH including the MAC CE is the slot (n' + 3Nslot), and the uplink MAC CE action slot for the PDSCH slot (n) is the slot (n + 3Nslot + Koffset + K1). (In the case of X = 3)"; [0093]: "Terminal 100 and base station 200 configure the downlink MAC CE action slot (slot (B) with a star mark in FIG. 10) with reference to the PDSCH slot. The downlink MAC CE action slot for the PDSCH slot (n) is the slot (n + 3Nslot + Koffset + KMAC_ACTION2). Therefore, terminal 100 can configure the downlink MAC CE action slot without considering the correction value (K1) of the HARQ-ACK timing"); and also the additional features of this claim as any data in a PDSCH is also application data in a 3GPP system such as the one disclosed . The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows: 1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art. 2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue. 3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art. 4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness. 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 2,4,9,10,12, and 16-18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over WO 2021/161639 A1 (PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP AME) in view of Bae et al. (2022/0329391) . For claims 2,4,9,10,12, and 16-18, WO 2021/161639 A1 (PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP AME) discloses all the subject matter of the claimed invention with the exception of wherein the first fields for the data PDSCH comprise one or more of: a time domain resource allocation (TDRA) table index field for the data PDSCH;a frequency domain resource allocation (FDRA) field for the data PDSCH;a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) field for the data PDSCH;a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process number field for the data PDSCH;a redundancy version (RV) field for the data PDSCH;a new data indicator (NDI) field for the data PDSCH;a downlink assignment indicator (DAI) field for the data PDSCH;a virtual resource block (VRB) to physical resource block (PRB) mapping field for the data PDSCH;a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) ports field for the data PDSCH; and a transport block (TB) number field for the data PDSCH; wherein the second fields for the HARQ-ACK signaling comprise one or more of: a PUCCH resource indicator field for the HARQ-ACK signaling; a transmit power control (TPC) command field for the HARQ-ACK signaling; and a PDSCH-to-HAR feedback timing indicator field for the HARQ-ACK signaling; wherein a number of PDSCH repetitions in the one or more scheduling PDSCHs is one of: pre-defined at the Reconfigured by a system information block (SIB) received at the UE; and indicated by the ultra-compact DCI; and wherein the one or more scheduling PDSCHs are received according to one or more of: a predefined modulation and coding scheme (MCS) value and a pre-defined MCS table, or a configured MCS value and a configured MCS table, each configured in one or more of a radio resource control (RRC) configuration and a system information block (SIB);a pre-defined redundancy version (RV) value, or a configured RV value configured in one or more of the RRC configuration and the SIB; a pre-defined hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process number, or a configured HARQ process number configured in one or more of the RRC configuration and the SIB; a pre-defined new data indicator (NDI) value; and a pre-defined downlink assignment indicator (DAI) value in a communications network. Bae et al. (2022/0329391) form the same or similar fields of endeavor teaches a provision of wherein the first fields for the data PDSCH comprise one or more of: a time domain resource allocation (TDRA) table index field for the data PDSCH;a frequency domain resource allocation (FDRA) field for the data PDSCH;a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) field for the data PDSCH;a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process number field for the data PDSCH;a redundancy version (RV) field for the data PDSCH;a new data indicator (NDI) field for the data PDSCH;a downlink assignment indicator (DAI) field for the data PDSCH;a virtual resource block (VRB) to physical resource block (PRB) mapping field for the data PDSCH;a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) ports field for the data PDSCH; and a transport block (TB) number field for the data PDSCH; wherein the second fields for the HARQ-ACK signaling comprise one or more of: a PUCCH resource indicator field for the HARQ-ACK signaling; a transmit power control (TPC) command field for the HARQ-ACK signaling; and a PDSCH-to-HAR feedback timing indicator field for the HARQ-ACK signaling; wherein a number of PDSCH repetitions in the one or more scheduling PDSCHs is one of: pre-defined at the Reconfigured by a system information block (SIB) received at the UE; and indicated by the ultra-compact DCI; and wherein the one or more scheduling PDSCHs are received according to one or more of: a predefined modulation and coding scheme (MCS) value and a pre-defined MCS table, or a configured MCS value and a configured MCS table, each configured in one or more of a radio resource control (RRC) configuration and a system information block (SIB);a pre-defined redundancy version (RV) value, or a configured RV value configured in one or more of the RRC configuration and the SIB; a pre-defined hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process number, or a configured HARQ process number configured in one or more of the RRC configuration and the SIB; a pre-defined new data indicator (NDI) value; and a pre-defined downlink assignment indicator (DAI) value in a communications network ( See paragraphs 0014 lines 1-11, 0011 lines 1-10; 0350 lines 1-5; and 0063 lines 1-10 and 0070 lines 107). Thus , it would have been obvious to the person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to use wherein the first fields for the data PDSCH comprise one or more of: a time domain resource allocation (TDRA) table index field for the data PDSCH;a frequency domain resource allocation (FDRA) field for the data PDSCH;a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) field for the data PDSCH;a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process number field for the data PDSCH;a redundancy version (RV) field for the data PDSCH;a new data indicator (NDI) field for the data PDSCH;a downlink assignment indicator (DAI) field for the data PDSCH;a virtual resource block (VRB) to physical resource block (PRB) mapping field for the data PDSCH;a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) ports field for the data PDSCH; and a transport block (TB) number field for the data PDSCH; wherein the second fields for the HARQ-ACK signaling comprise one or more of: a PUCCH resource indicator field for the HARQ-ACK signaling; a transmit power control (TPC) command field for the HARQ-ACK signaling; and a PDSCH-to-HAR feedback timing indicator field for the HARQ-ACK signaling; wherein a number of PDSCH repetitions in the one or more scheduling PDSCHs is one of: pre-defined at the Reconfigured by a system information block (SIB) received at the UE; and indicated by the ultra-compact DCI; and wherein the one or more scheduling PDSCHs are received according to one or more of: a predefined modulation and coding scheme (MCS) value and a pre-defined MCS table, or a configured MCS value and a configured MCS table, each configured in one or more of a radio resource control (RRC) configuration and a system information block (SIB);a pre-defined redundancy version (RV) value, or a configured RV value configured in one or more of the RRC configuration and the SIB; a pre-defined hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process number, or a configured HARQ process number configured in one or more of the RRC configuration and the SIB; a pre-defined new data indicator (NDI) value; and a pre-defined downlink assignment indicator (DAI) value in a communications network as taught by Bea et al. in the communications network of Panasonic for the purpose of predefined modulation and making the system more reliable. The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Yi et al. (2022/0346104) is cited to show a system which is considered pertinent to the claimed invention. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to DANG T TON whose telephone number is (571)272-3171. The examiner can normally be reached Monday to Friday 5:30 AM to 3:00 PM. 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, Ayaz Sheikh can be reached at 571-272-3795. 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. /DANG T TON/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2476 /D.T.T/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2476
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Oct 23, 2024
Application Filed
Aug 11, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §103 (current)

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
89%
Grant Probability
90%
With Interview (+0.9%)
2y 2m (~3m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 625 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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