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 Office Action is a response to communications dated 11/05/2004. Claims 1-30 are pending in the application.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement filed 11/05/2024 complies with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97, 1.98 and MPEP § 609. It has been considered and placed in the application file.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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)(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.
Claims 1-12 and 17-24, and 26-30 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Wu et al. (US 2025/0219447) (hereinafter “Wu”).
The applied reference has a common assignee with the instant application. Based upon the earlier effectively filed date of the reference, it constitutes prior art under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2). This rejection under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) might be overcome by: (1) a showing under 37 CFR 1.130(a) that the subject matter disclosed in the reference was obtained directly or indirectly from the inventor or a joint inventor of this application and is thus not prior art in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(A); (2) a showing under 37 CFR 1.130(b) of a prior public disclosure under 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(B) if the same invention is not being claimed; or (3) a statement pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) establishing that, not later than the effective filing date of the claimed invention, the subject matter disclosed in the reference and the claimed invention were either owned by the same person or subject to an obligation of assignment to the same person or subject to a joint research agreement.
Regarding claim 1, in accordance with Wu reference entirety, Wu shows an apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless device (FIG. 9; 905 or FIG. 13; 1305), comprising: a memory (FIG. 9; 930 or FIG. 13; 1325); and at least one processor (FIG. 9; 940 or FIG. 13; 1335) coupled to the memory (FIG. 9; 930 or FIG. 13; 1325) (see FIG. 9 or FIG. 13 for connection details) and, based at least in part on information (FIG. 9; 935 or FIG. 13; 1330) stored in the memory (FIG. 9; 930 or FIG. 13; 1325), the at least one processor (FIG. 9; 940 or FIG. 13; 1335) is configured to:
broadcast, for other wireless devices (UE or energy-harvesting device), a first control information (grant) including a first scheduling information (allocatees) of a first resource pool including first time-frequency resources (a set of resources) for zero-power internet-of-things (IoT) communication (passive IoT communications) (para [0061]: "Techniques, systems, and devices are described herein to improve implementation of passive IoT communications in a wireless communications system by improving resource allocation methods for passive IoT communications. For example, a UE may receive, from a network entity, a resource grant that allocates a set of resources for use by the UE. Additionally, the UE may receive, from the network entity, an indication that the received grant pertains to communications between the UE and an energy-harvesting device, where the communications may include an energy-providing transmission to the energy-harvesting device, a data transmission to the energy-harvesting device, a data reception from the energy-harvesting device, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the UE may receive the indication via explicit signaling (e.g., radio resource control (RRC), medium access control (MAC) control element (MAC-CE), or downlink control information (DCI) signaling). Alternatively, the UE may receive the indication via implicit signaling. In an example of implicit signaling, the network entity may configure a resource pool dedicated for passive IoT communications. The network entity may then transmit the grant indicative of resources from the resource pool and the UE may therefore identify that the grant is for passive IoT communications. Accordingly, the UE may communicate with the energy-harvesting device in accordance with the grant.". Moreover; FIG. 14 and block 1405, and para [0220]: "At 1405, the method may include receiving, from a network entity, a grant that allocates a set of resources for use by the UE. The operations of 1405 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1405 may be performed by a grant reception component 825 as described with reference to FIG. 8." Furthermore; para [0121]: “… the passive IoT communication procedure may last a duration that is greater than 14 symbols … a time range, a frequency range, or both. … time-frequency range … duration larger than 14 symbols.” Or FIG. 15; block 1505 and para [0224]) and
perform the zero-power IoT communication (passive IoT communications) in the first resource pool associated with the first control information (grant) from one or more passive network entities (UE or energy-harvesting device) (para [0222]: "At 1415, the method may include communicating with the energy-harvesting device in accordance with the grant. The operations of 1415 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 1415 may be performed by an energy-harvesting communication component 835 as described with reference to FIG. 8." Or FIG. 15; block 1520 and para [0227]).
Regarding claim 2, in addition to features recited in base claim 1 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows a transceiver (FIG. 9; 915 or FIG. 13; 1310) coupled to the at least one processor (FIG. 9; 940 or FIG. 13; 1335), wherein the first resource pool has a continuous time duration greater than (a set of continuous slots) a single slot (para [0119]: "As discussed with reference to FIG. 2, the UE 115-a may perform passive IoT communications with an energy-harvesting device 185-a in a FDD system, a TDD system, or some other system by allocating one or more grants in a set of continuous slots." Moreover; para [0121]: "In some cases, the passive IoT communication procedure may last a duration that is greater than 14 symbols (e.g., greater than a slot). For instance, the passive IoT communication procedure may last a duration of 0.5 ms to tens of ms, which may be a duration greater than 14 symbols. In some aspects, the UE 115 may receive an indication including an explicit or implicit message that indicates a time range, a frequency range, or both for which the one or more of the passive IoT grants 305 may be applicable in order to support the passive IoT communication procedure. In such aspects, the resources included in the one or more passive IoT grants 305 may be within the indicated time range, the frequency range, or both. For example, the UE 115 may receive the passive IoT grants 305 for use by the UE 115. The UE 115 may also receive an indication of a time-frequency range of each allocated grant and/or a time range for all allocated grants combined that are dedicated to a passive IoT communication. The set of resources included in each passive IoT grant 305 may be a duration larger than 14 symbols and/or the set of resources associated with all configured grants (e.g., passive IoT grants 305) may be duration larger than 14 symbols.”).
Regarding claim 3, in addition to features recited in base claim 1 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows wherein the first resource pool has a continuous time duration greater than or equal to 0.5 milliseconds (ms) and less than or equal to 100 ms (para [0060]: "... a network entity may allocate grants not larger than 14 symbols (or 1 slot). However, a passive IoT communication procedure may last a duration larger than 14 symbols (e.g., 0.5 ms to tens of ms)." Or para [0121]: "In some cases, the passive IoT communication procedure may last a duration that is greater than 14 symbols (e.g., greater than a slot). For instance, the passive IoT communication procedure may last a duration of 0.5 ms to tens of ms, which may be a duration greater than 14 symbols. In some aspects, the UE 115 may receive an indication including an explicit or implicit message that indicates a time range, a frequency range, or both for which the one or more of the passive IoT grants 305 may be applicable in order to support the passive IoT communication procedure. In such aspects, the resources included in the one or more passive IoT grants 305 may be within the indicated time range, the frequency range, or both. For example, the UE 115 may receive the passive IoT grants 305 for use by the UE 115. The UE 115 may also receive an indication of a time-frequency range of each allocated grant and/or a time range for all allocated grants combined that are dedicated to a passive IoT communication. The set of resources included in each passive IoT grant 305 may be a duration larger than 14 symbols and/or the set of resources associated with all configured grants (e.g., passive IoT grants 305) may be duration larger than 14 symbols.”).
Regarding claim 4, in addition to features recited in base claim 1 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receive a second control information including a second scheduling information of a second resource pool including second time-frequency resources from a second wireless device among the other wireless devices (FIG. 15; block 1510 and para [0225]), and determine the first resource pool including the first time-frequency resources for zero-power IoT communication based on the second control information (FIG. 15; block 1515 and para [0226]).
Regarding claim 5, in addition to features recited in base claim 1 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows wherein the first time-frequency resources for zero-power IoT communication is scheduled after a time gap (continuous or not the same) subsequent to the broadcasting of the first control information including the first scheduling information of the first resource pool (para [0114]: "In some aspects, and as described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3, the network entity 105-a may transmit a first grant and a second grant for communications between the UE 115-a and the energy-harvesting device 185-a. The first grant may allocate a first set of resources for use by the UE 115-a, while the second grant may allocate a second set of resources for communications between the UE 115-a and the energy-harvesting device 185-a. In such aspects, the network entity 105-a may transmit a message indicating a first time range and/or frequency range for which the first grant is applicable and a second time range and/or frequency range for which the second grant is applicable, and/or indicate a time range and/or frequency range for which the first grant and the second grant are applicable, where the first set of resources and the second set of resources are within the time range and/or the frequency range. The network entity 105-a may transmit the message via explicit signaling or implicit signaling. In some aspects, the first set of resources and the second set of resources may be adjacent in the time range, meaning that the resources are in continuous slots. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of frequency resources of the first set of resources may be different from a second set of frequency resources of the second set of resources, meaning that the frequency resources allocated by the first grant and the second grant may not be the same.").
Regarding claim 6, in addition to features recited in base claim 1 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows wherein the first control information (grant) is broadcasted in a first frequency range, and the first time-frequency resources are scheduled in the first frequency range (para [0107]: " In accordance with the examples disclosed herein, the wireless communications system 100 may support passive IoT communications between an energy-harvesting device 185 and a UE 115 and/or a network entity 105 (e.g., or some other network device). For example, the UE 115 may receive, from a network entity 105, a grant that allocates a set of resources for use by the UE 115. Additionally, the UE 115 may receive an indication (e.g., implicitly, and/or explicitly) that the grant received at the UE 115 is dedicated to communications between the UE 115 and an energy-harvesting device 185. In some cases, the grant may be indicative of resources occupying more than 14 symbols. In some cases, the UE 115 may receive an indication of a time range, a frequency range, or both over which the passive IoT communications may occur. In some cases, the UE 115 may be configured to perform the passive IoT communications in uplink-configured slots, in downlink-configured slots, or a combination thereof. The communications may include an energy-providing transmission to the energy-harvesting device 185, a data transmission to the energy-harvesting device 185, a data reception from the energy-harvesting device 185, or a combination thereof. In accordance with the grant, the UE 115 may communicate with the energy-harvesting device 185 (e.g., using the set of resources included in the grant).").
Regarding claim 7, in addition to features recited in base claim 1 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows wherein the first control information (grant) is broadcasted in a first frequency range, and the first time-frequency resources include a plurality of sequentially scheduled subgroups (uplink-configured slots/downlink-configured slots/a combination thereof) of time-frequency resources, and at least one of the plurality of sequentially scheduled subgroups (uplink-configured slots/downlink-configured slots/a combination thereof) of time-frequency resources is scheduled in a second frequency range different from the first frequency range (para [0107]: " In accordance with the examples disclosed herein, the wireless communications system 100 may support passive IoT communications between an energy-harvesting device 185 and a UE 115 and/or a network entity 105 (e.g., or some other network device). For example, the UE 115 may receive, from a network entity 105, a grant that allocates a set of resources for use by the UE 115. Additionally, the UE 115 may receive an indication (e.g., implicitly, and/or explicitly) that the grant received at the UE 115 is dedicated to communications between the UE 115 and an energy-harvesting device 185. In some cases, the grant may be indicative of resources occupying more than 14 symbols. In some cases, the UE 115 may receive an indication of a time range, a frequency range, or both over which the passive IoT communications may occur. In some cases, the UE 115 may be configured to perform the passive IoT communications in uplink-configured slots, in downlink-configured slots, or a combination thereof. The communications may include an energy-providing transmission to the energy-harvesting device 185, a data transmission to the energy-harvesting device 185, a data reception from the energy-harvesting device 185, or a combination thereof. In accordance with the grant, the UE 115 may communicate with the energy-harvesting device 185 (e.g., using the set of resources included in the grant).").
Regarding claim 8, in addition to features recited in base claim 7 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows wherein at least two of the plurality of sequentially scheduled subgroups of time-frequency resources have different frequency ranges (uplink-configured slots/downlink-configured slots/a combination thereof) (para [0107]: " In accordance with the examples disclosed herein, the wireless communications system 100 may support passive IoT communications between an energy-harvesting device 185 and a UE 115 and/or a network entity 105 (e.g., or some other network device). For example, the UE 115 may receive, from a network entity 105, a grant that allocates a set of resources for use by the UE 115. Additionally, the UE 115 may receive an indication (e.g., implicitly, and/or explicitly) that the grant received at the UE 115 is dedicated to communications between the UE 115 and an energy-harvesting device 185. In some cases, the grant may be indicative of resources occupying more than 14 symbols. In some cases, the UE 115 may receive an indication of a time range, a frequency range, or both over which the passive IoT communications may occur. In some cases, the UE 115 may be configured to perform the passive IoT communications in uplink-configured slots, in downlink-configured slots, or a combination thereof. The communications may include an energy-providing transmission to the energy-harvesting device 185, a data transmission to the energy-harvesting device 185, a data reception from the energy-harvesting device 185, or a combination thereof. In accordance with the grant, the UE 115 may communicate with the energy-harvesting device 185 (e.g., using the set of resources included in the grant).").
Regarding claim 9, in addition to features recited in base claim 7 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows wherein the first control information and the first resource pool including the first time-frequency resources have a same center frequency (para [0106]: "Additionally, or alternatively, a network entity 105 may allocate resource grants to a UE 115 in a FDD system or a TDD system for passive IoT communications between the UE 115 and an energy-harvesting device 185. In a TDD system, a UE 115 may communicate different signals on the same frequency band by utilizing separate time slots. For example, in a TDD system, a UE 115 may perform downlink and uplink communications on the same frequency channel by receiving downlink signals during a first slot (e.g., a downlink slot) and transmitting uplink signals during a second slot (e.g., an uplink slot) that is different from the first slot. In a FDD system, a UE 115 may communicate different signals during the same time slot by utilizing separate frequency bands. For example, a UE 115 in an FDD system may perform downlink and uplink communications during the same slot by receiving downlink signals on a first frequency channel (e.g., a downlink band) and transmitting uplink signals on a second frequency channel (e.g., an uplink band) that is different from the first channel. In some cases, a network entity 105 or a UE 115 may not easily obtain continuous uplink or downlink slots in a TDD system.").
Regarding claim 10, in addition to features recited in base claim 1 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows wherein the first control information is broadcasted in a first sub-channel configured for control information transmission, and
the first resource pool including the first time-frequency resources are schedule within a set of second sub-channels configured for zero-power IoT communications, the set of second sub-channels not overlapping the first sub-channel (para [0106]: "Additionally, or alternatively, a network entity 105 may allocate resource grants to a UE 115 in a FDD system or a TDD system for passive IoT communications between the UE 115 and an energy-harvesting device 185. In a TDD system, a UE 115 may communicate different signals on the same frequency band by utilizing separate time slots. For example, in a TDD system, a UE 115 may perform downlink and uplink communications on the same frequency channel by receiving downlink signals during a first slot (e.g., a downlink slot) and transmitting uplink signals during a second slot (e.g., an uplink slot) that is different from the first slot. In a FDD system, a UE 115 may communicate different signals during the same time slot by utilizing separate frequency bands. For example, a UE 115 in an FDD system may perform downlink and uplink communications during the same slot by receiving downlink signals on a first frequency channel (e.g., a downlink band) and transmitting uplink signals on a second frequency channel (e.g., an uplink band) that is different from the first channel. In some cases, a network entity 105 or a UE 115 may not easily obtain continuous uplink or downlink slots in a TDD system.").
Regarding claim 11, in addition to features recited in base claim 10 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receive a second control information from a second wireless device among the other wireless devices in the first sub-channel, the second control information including a second scheduling information of a second resource pool including second time-frequency resources in the set of sub-channels, wherein the first resource pool including the first time-frequency resources for the zero-power IoT communication is configured not to overlap with the second time-frequency resources (para [0106]: "Additionally, or alternatively, a network entity 105 may allocate resource grants to a UE 115 in a FDD system or a TDD system for passive IoT communications between the UE 115 and an energy-harvesting device 185. In a TDD system, a UE 115 may communicate different signals on the same frequency band by utilizing separate time slots. For example, in a TDD system, a UE 115 may perform downlink and uplink communications on the same frequency channel by receiving downlink signals during a first slot (e.g., a downlink slot) and transmitting uplink signals during a second slot (e.g., an uplink slot) that is different from the first slot. In a FDD system, a UE 115 may communicate different signals during the same time slot by utilizing separate frequency bands. For example, a UE 115 in an FDD system may perform downlink and uplink communications during the same slot by receiving downlink signals on a first frequency channel (e.g., a downlink band) and transmitting uplink signals on a second frequency channel (e.g., an uplink band) that is different from the first channel. In some cases, a network entity 105 or a UE 115 may not easily obtain continuous uplink or downlink slots in a TDD system.").
Regarding claim 12, in addition to features recited in base claim 10 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receive a configuration of the first sub-channel and the set of second sub-channels (para [0062: “ ... the UE may receive, from the network entity, multiple resource grants to support the communications between the UE and the energy-harvesting device ... .". Or para [0106]: "Additionally, or alternatively, a network entity 105 may allocate resource grants to a UE 115 in a FDD system or a TDD system for passive IoT communications between the UE 115 and an energy-harvesting device 185. In a TDD system, a UE 115 may communicate different signals on the same frequency band by utilizing separate time slots. For example, in a TDD system, a UE 115 may perform downlink and uplink communications on the same frequency channel by receiving downlink signals during a first slot (e.g., a downlink slot) and transmitting uplink signals during a second slot (e.g., an uplink slot) that is different from the first slot. In a FDD system, a UE 115 may communicate different signals during the same time slot by utilizing separate frequency bands. For example, a UE 115 in an FDD system may perform downlink and uplink communications during the same slot by receiving downlink signals on a first frequency channel (e.g., a downlink band) and transmitting uplink signals on a second frequency channel (e.g., an uplink band) that is different from the first channel. In some cases, a network entity 105 or a UE 115 may not easily obtain continuous uplink or downlink slots in a TDD system.").
Regarding claim 17, in addition to features recited in base claim 1 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows wherein the first scheduling information of the first control information indicates that the first resource pool is scheduled for a number of slot groups, a slot group including a plurality of slots (para [0106]: "Additionally, or alternatively, a network entity 105 may allocate resource grants to a UE 115 in a FDD system or a TDD system for passive IoT communications between the UE 115 and an energy-harvesting device 185. In a TDD system, a UE 115 may communicate different signals on the same frequency band by utilizing separate time slots. For example, in a TDD system, a UE 115 may perform downlink and uplink communications on the same frequency channel by receiving downlink signals during a first slot (e.g., a downlink slot) and transmitting uplink signals during a second slot (e.g., an uplink slot) that is different from the first slot. In a FDD system, a UE 115 may communicate different signals during the same time slot by utilizing separate frequency bands. For example, a UE 115 in an FDD system may perform downlink and uplink communications during the same slot by receiving downlink signals on a first frequency channel (e.g., a downlink band) and transmitting uplink signals on a second frequency channel (e.g., an uplink band) that is different from the first channel. In some cases, a network entity 105 or a UE 115 may not easily obtain continuous uplink or downlink slots in a TDD system." Or para [0107]: " In accordance with the examples disclosed herein, the wireless communications system 100 may support passive IoT communications between an energy-harvesting device 185 and a UE 115 and/or a network entity 105 (e.g., or some other network device). For example, the UE 115 may receive, from a network entity 105, a grant that allocates a set of resources for use by the UE 115. Additionally, the UE 115 may receive an indication (e.g., implicitly, and/or explicitly) that the grant received at the UE 115 is dedicated to communications between the UE 115 and an energy-harvesting device 185. In some cases, the grant may be indicative of resources occupying more than 14 symbols. In some cases, the UE 115 may receive an indication of a time range, a frequency range, or both over which the passive IoT communications may occur. In some cases, the UE 115 may be configured to perform the passive IoT communications in uplink-configured slots, in downlink-configured slots, or a combination thereof. The communications may include an energy-providing transmission to the energy-harvesting device 185, a data transmission to the energy-harvesting device 185, a data reception from the energy-harvesting device 185, or a combination thereof. In accordance with the grant, the UE 115 may communicate with the energy-harvesting device 185 (e.g., using the set of resources included in the grant).").
Regarding claim 18, in addition to features recited in base claim 17 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receive a configuration of a slot number in the plurality of slots (para [0060]: "In some cases, a UE may receive, from a network entity, one or more resource grants allocated for communications to be performed by the UE. However, the UE may not be able to differentiate resource grants dedicated for passive IoT communications and resource grants dedicated for other communications (e.g., New Radio (NR) communications). Additionally, in some communication systems, a network entity may not be capable of allocating grants for resources with a duration long enough to support passive IoT communications. For example, in some systems, a network entity may allocate grants not larger than 14 symbols (or 1 slot). However, a passive IoT communication procedure may last a duration larger than 14 symbols (e.g., 0.5 ms to tens of ms).").
Regarding claim 19, in addition to features recited in base claim 18 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows wherein the configuration indicates different slot numbers per sub-channels, per different zero-power IoT communications, or per wireless device (para [0060]: "In some cases, a UE may receive, from a network entity, one or more resource grants allocated for communications to be performed by the UE. However, the UE may not be able to differentiate resource grants dedicated for passive IoT communications and resource grants dedicated for other communications (e.g., New Radio (NR) communications). Additionally, in some communication systems, a network entity may not be capable of allocating grants for resources with a duration long enough to support passive IoT communications. For example, in some systems, a network entity may allocate grants not larger than 14 symbols (or 1 slot). However, a passive IoT communication procedure may last a duration larger than 14 symbols (e.g., 0.5 ms to tens of ms).").
Regarding claim 20, in addition to features recited in base claim 1 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows wherein the first control information is broadcasted in one of a plurality of configured locations (para [0111]: "... For instance, the network entity 105-a may transmit a message (e.g., passive IoT communication configuration 220) indicating that the grant pertains to the communications between the UE 115-a and the energy harvesting device 185-a via an RRC message, a MAC-CE message, a DCI message, or some other control message.)").
Regarding claim 21, in addition to features recited in base claim 20 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows wherein each configured location of the plurality of configured locations is aligned in a time domain (para [0112]: "In other aspects, the network entity 105-a may implicitly indicate that a grant is for passive IoT communications. For instance, in some examples, the network entity 105-a may indicate a set of time resources, a set of frequency resources, or both dedicated for passive IoT communications by constructing and indicating resource pools to the UE 115-a in the passive IoT communication configuration 220, or some other message. In such examples, the network entity 105-a may transmit a grant (e.g., in the passive IoT communication configuration 220, or some other message) that allocates a set of resources for use by the UE 115-a. The UE 115-a may then determine whether the set of resources associated with the grant correspond to the set of time resources, the set of frequency resources, or both dedicated for passive IoT communications. If the resources included in the resource pools includes the set of resources indicated in the grant, the UE 115-a may identify that the grant pertains to passive IoT communications between the UE 115-a and the energy-harvesting device 185-a.").
Regarding claim 22, in addition to features recited in base claim 21 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows wherein end of the first resource pool including the first time-frequency resources is aligned with a start of the plurality of configured locations in the time domain (para [0112]: "In other aspects, the network entity 105-a may implicitly indicate that a grant is for passive IoT communications. For instance, in some examples, the network entity 105-a may indicate a set of time resources, a set of frequency resources, or both dedicated for passive IoT communications by constructing and indicating resource pools to the UE 115-a in the passive IoT communication configuration 220, or some other message. In such examples, the network entity 105-a may transmit a grant (e.g., in the passive IoT communication configuration 220, or some other message) that allocates a set of resources for use by the UE 115-a. The UE 115-a may then determine whether the set of resources associated with the grant correspond to the set of time resources, the set of frequency resources, or both dedicated for passive IoT communications. If the resources included in the resource pools includes the set of resources indicated in the grant, the UE 115-a may identify that the grant pertains to passive IoT communications between the UE 115-a and the energy-harvesting device 185-a.").
Regarding claim 23, in accordance with Wu reference entirety, Wu discloses an apparatus for wireless communication at a network node (FIG. 10; 1005 and para [0187]), comprising: a memory; and at least one processor coupled to the memory and, based at least in part on information stored in the memory (see FIG. 10 and it corresponding description in paras [1078] to [0186] for details of network entity 105 or device 1005) , the at least one processor is configured to:
transmit a first configuration of a first sub-channel for a first wireless device, the first sub-channel configured for the first wireless device to broadcast a first control information including a first scheduling information of a first resource pool including first time-frequency resources for zero-power internet-of-things (IoT) communication (para [0129]: "At 505, the network entity 105-b may transmit, and the UE 115-b may receive, a grant that allocates a set of resources (e.g., time resources, frequency resources) for use by the UE 115-b. In some aspects, the grant may be an uplink grant. Alternatively, the grant may be a downlink grant. The grant may contain resources that are dedicated to communications to be performed by the UE 115-b, such as passive IoT communications or other communications (e.g., NR communications). In some examples, the set of resources pertaining to passive IoT communication between the UE 115-b and the energy-harvesting device may last a duration greater than 14 symbols. In some examples, the network entity 105-b may transmit, and the UE 115-b may receive, a second grant that allocates a second set of resources for the communications between the UE 115-b and the energy-harvesting device 185-b. In some examples, a set of frequency resources of the set of resources may be different from a second set of frequency resources of the second set of resources. Additionally, or alternatively, the set of resources and the second set of resources may be adjacent in a time range. In some aspects, the set of resources, the second set of resources, or both may include one or more uplink-configured slots, one or more downlink-configured slots, or a combination of the one or more uplink-configured slots and the one or more downlink configured slots for communications between the UE 115-b and the energy-harvesting device 185-a"); and
transmit a second configuration (a grant association indication) of a set of second sub-channels for a second wireless device, the first resource pool including the first time-frequency resources being scheduled in the set of second sub-channels (para [0130]: "At 510, the network entity 105-b may transmit, and the UE 115-b may receive, a grant association indication indicating that the grant received at 505 pertains to communications between the UE 115-b and the energy-harvesting device 185-b. The communications between the UE 115-b and the energy-harvesting device 185-b may include at least one of an energy-providing transmission to the energy-harvesting device 185-b, a data transmission to the energy-harvesting device 185-b, or a data reception from the energy-harvesting device 185-b. In some examples, the network entity 105-b may transmit the grant association indication explicitly or implicitly. For example, the network entity 105-b may transmit, and the UE 115-b may receive, a message that explicitly indicates that the grant received at 505 pertains to the communications between the UE 115-b and the energy-harvesting device 185-b, where the message may be an RRC message, a MAC-CE message, or a DCI message. In other examples, the network entity 105-b may transmit, and the UE 115-b may receive, a message indicative of a plurality of resources dedicated for energy-harvesting communications. That is, the network entity 105-b may implicitly transmit the grant association indication by constructing and indicating resource pools to the UE 115-b. In some aspects, the UE 115-b may receive a message indicating a time range, a frequency range, or both for which the grant is applicable. In such aspects, the set of resources allocated by the grant may be within the time range, the frequency range, or both. In other aspects, the UE 115-b may receive a message indicating a time range, a frequency range, or both for which a grant and a second grant are applicable. In such other aspects, the set of resources allocated by the grant and the second set of resources allocated by the second grant may be within the time range, the frequency range, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the message may be an RRC message, a MAC CE message, or a DCI message.").
Regarding claim 24, in addition to features recited in base claim 23 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows wherein the first configuration and the second configuration may be transmitted via at least one of a L1 signaling, a L2 signaling, or a L3 signaling (para [0130]: "At 510, the network entity 105-b may transmit, and the UE 115-b may receive, a grant association indication indicating that the grant received at 505 pertains to communications between the UE 115-b and the energy-harvesting device 185-b … the message may be an RRC message, a MAC CE message, or a DCI message.").
Regarding claim 26, in addition to features recited in base claim 23 (see rationales discussed above), Wu also shows wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: transmit a fourth configuration of a slot number in a plurality of slots, wherein the first resource pool is scheduled for a number of slot groups, a slot group including the plurality of slots (para [0129]: "At 505, the network entity 105-b may transmit, and the UE 115-b may receive, a grant that allocates a set of resources (e.g., time resources, frequency resources) for use by the UE 115-b. In some aspects, the grant may be an uplink grant. Alternatively, the grant may be a downlink grant. The grant may contain resources that are dedicated to communications to be performed by the UE 115-b, such as passive IoT communications or other communications (e.g., NR communications). In some examples, the set of resources pertaining to passive IoT communication between the UE 115-b and the energy-harvesting device may last a duration greater than 14 symbols. In some examples, the network entity 105-b may transmit, and the UE 115-b may receive, a second grant that allocates a second set of resources for the communications between the UE 115-b and the energy-harvesting device 185-b. In some examples, a set of frequency resources of the set of resources may be different from a second set of frequency resources of the second set of resources. Additionally, or alternatively, the set of resources and the second set of resources may be adjacent in a time range. In some aspects, the set of resources, the second set of resources, or both may include one or more uplink-configured slots, one or more downlink-configured slots, or a combination of the one or more uplink-configured slots and the one or more downlink configured slots for communications between the UE 115-b and the energy-harvesting device 185-a")
As per claims 27-29, the claims appear to call for a method having limitations variously and essentially mirrored functional limitations of apparatus claims 1 and 4-5, respectively. Thus, they are anticipated by Wu for the same rationales applied to apparatus claims 1 and 4-5 as above discussed.
As per claim 30, the claim appears to call for a method having limitations variously and essentially mirrored functional limitations of apparatus claim 23. Thus, it is anticipated by Wu for the same rationales applied to apparatus claim 23 as above discussed.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 13-16 and 25 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter: The prior art of record, considered individually or in combination, appear to fail to fairly show or suggest a claim invention of base claims 1 and 23 and further limits with novel and unobvious limitations of “wherein the first resource pool has a first frequency range, and the at least one processor is further configured to: perform a frequency hopping to a third resource pool including third time-frequency resources to perform the zero-power IoT communication, the third resource pool being different from the first time-frequency resources,” as recited in claims 13-16 and 25, and structurally and functionally interconnected with other limitations in a manner as claimed.
Conclusion
The prior/related art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Wu et al. (US 2025/0358802).
Elshafie et al. (US 2025/0008490).
Elshafie et al. (US 2022/0338122).
Xu et al. (US 2022/0078779).
Khan et al. (US 2018/0109150).
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/FRANK DUONG/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2474 October 6, 2026
