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 .
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 10/03/2024 was filed. The submission is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Priority
Acknowledgment is made of applicant’s claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 (a)-(d). The certified copy has been filed in parent Application No. JAPAN 2019-188400, filed on 10/15/2019.
Acknowledgment is made of applicant’s claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 (a)-(d). The certified copy has been filed in parent Application No. JAPAN 2019-191004, filed on 10/18/2019.
This office action is in response to the Preliminary amendment filed 04/07/2025.
Claims 1-10, 11-21, 22, 23, 24, 25 are pending.
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 (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 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.
Claim(s) 1, 4-10, 11, 12, 15-21, 22, 23, 24, 25 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Patil et al. ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) in view of JANG et al. ( US 20210315036, hereinafter, JANG’s 036).
Regarding to the claim 1, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) teaches a wireless communication control device comprising:
a control circuit configured to control a wireless communication circuit of a first wireless communication device (STA 115a, STA 115i ) [see figure 2 ] to transmit, to a second wireless communication device (STA 115a, STA 115i ) [see figure 2 ], a first information (duration of the multi link session) [see the Abstract ] and a second information (duration of the single link transmission ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] using one or more wireless signals, the first information (duration of the multi link session ) [see the Abstract ] being used for setting of communication in which the second wireless communication device uses a plurality of links, the second information (duration of the single link session ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] being used for setting of communication in which the second wireless communication device uses a single link,
wherein the first information (duration of the multi link session ) [see the Abstract ] includes information indicating a first value related to an acquisition of a transmission opportunity (TXOP ) [see Paragraphs 0152] for the plurality of links [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ] ,
wherein the second information (duration of the single link session ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] includes information indicating a second value related to an acquisition of a transmission opportunity (TXOP ) [see Paragraphs 0152] for the single link [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ],
wherein the second value (duration of the signal link session ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link is different from the first value (duration of the multi link session ) [see the Abstract ] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links,
However, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) does not explicitly teach wherein the first value related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links comprises at least one of:
a first value related to a frame transmission interval for the plurality of links,
a first value related to a transmission waiting time for the plurality of links, or
a first value related to an occupation time of a channel for the plurality of links,
wherein the second value related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link comprises at least one of:
a second value related to a frame transmission interval for the single link,
a second value related to a transmission waiting time for the single link, or
a second value related to an occupation time of a channel for the single link.
JANG’s 036, from the same or similar fields of endeavor, teaches wherein the first value (the first period of time to perform a plurality of links) [see Paragraphs 0156 & 0179] [Also see the Paragraph 0004 ] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links comprises at least one of:
a first value related to a frame transmission interval ( the first period of time to perform a plurality of links) or the plurality of links,
a first value related to a transmission waiting time for the plurality of links, or
a first value related to an occupation time of a channel for the plurality of links [Also see Paragraphs 0156 & 0157 & 0179 & 0185 & 0188 & 0190 & 0192 & 0197 & 0219 & 0233 & 0261 & 0004],
wherein the second value ( the second period of time to perform only one of the plurality of links) [see Paragraphs 0156 & 0179] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link comprises at least one of:
a second value related to a frame transmission interval ( the second period of time to perform only one of the plurality of links) [see Paragraphs 0156 & 0179] for the single link,
a second value related to a transmission waiting time for the single link, or
a second value related to an occupation time of a channel for the single link.
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing data of the claimed invention to modify the system of US 20200288523 in view of JANG’s 036 because JANG’s 036 suggests that improved techniques for ACI management in multi-link aggregation may be desired.
Regarding to the claim 4, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) further teaches wherein the first information includes information for identifying the plurality of links, and wherein the second information includes information for identifying the single link (wherein the first information includes information for identifying the plurality of links, and wherein the second information includes information for identifying the single link) [see the Abstract and Paragraph 0101] [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ] .
Regarding to the claim 5, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) further teaches wherein the first information and the second information are included in a frame (wherein the first information and the second information are included in a frame ) [see the Abstract and Paragraph 0101] [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ] .
Regarding to the claim 6, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) further teaches wherein the first value further includes a first value related to a period in which the wireless communication terminal performs communication for the plurality of links [see the Abstract and Paragraph 0101] [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ] .
Regarding to the claim 7, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) further teaches wherein the first value related to the period indicates at least one of a start time of the period or a length of the period (wherein the first value related to the period indicates at least one of a start time of the period or a length of the period ) [see the Abstract and Paragraph 0101] [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ].
Regarding to the claim 8, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) further teaches wherein the first value related to the period indicates an end of the period [see the Abstract and Paragraph 0101] [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ].
Regarding to the claim 9, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) further teaches wherein the first value related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links and the second value related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link correspond to link information or access category information [see the Abstract and Paragraph 0101] [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ].
Regarding to the claim 10, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) further teaches wherein the second value for the single link comprises an existing Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) parameter [see the Abstract and Paragraph 0101] [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ].
Regarding to the claim 11, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) teaches Regarding to the claim 1, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) teaches a wireless communication control device comprising:
a control circuit configured to control a wireless communication circuit of a first wireless communication device (STA 115a, STA 115i ) [see figure 2 ] to receive, from a second wireless communication device (STA 115a, STA 115i ) [see figure 2 ], a first information (duration of the multi link session) [see the Abstract ] and a second information (duration of the single link transmission ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] using one or more wireless signals, the first information (duration of the multi link session ) [see the Abstract ] being used for setting of communication in which the second wireless communication device uses a plurality of links, the second information (duration of the single link session ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] being used for setting of communication in which the second wireless communication device uses a single link,
wherein the first information (duration of the multi link session ) [see the Abstract ] includes information indicating a first value related to an acquisition of a transmission opportunity (TXOP ) [see Paragraphs 0152] for the plurality of links [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ] ,
wherein the second information (duration of the single link session ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] includes information indicating a second value related to an acquisition of a transmission opportunity (TXOP ) [see Paragraphs 0152] for the single link [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ],
wherein the second value (duration of the signal link session ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link is different from the first value (duration of the multi link session ) [see the Abstract ] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links,
However, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) does not explicitly teach wherein the first value related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links comprises at least one of:
a first value related to a frame transmission interval for the plurality of links,
a first value related to a transmission waiting time for the plurality of links, or
a first value related to an occupation time of a channel for the plurality of links,
wherein the second value related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link comprises at least one of:
a second value related to a frame transmission interval for the single link,
a second value related to a transmission waiting time for the single link, or
a second value related to an occupation time of a channel for the single link.
JANG’s 036, from the same or similar fields of endeavor, teaches wherein the first value (the first period of time to perform a plurality of links) [see Paragraphs 0156 & 0179] [Also see the Paragraph 0004 ] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links comprises at least one of:
a first value related to a frame transmission interval ( the first period of time to perform a plurality of links) or the plurality of links,
a first value related to a transmission waiting time for the plurality of links, or
a first value related to an occupation time of a channel for the plurality of links [Also see Paragraphs 0156 & 0157 & 0179 & 0185 & 0188 & 0190 & 0192 & 0197 & 0219 & 0233 & 0261 & 0004],
wherein the second value ( the second period of time to perform only one of the plurality of links) [see Paragraphs 0156 & 0179] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link comprises at least one of:
a second value related to a frame transmission interval ( the second period of time to perform only one of the plurality of links) [see Paragraphs 0156 & 0179] for the single link,
a second value related to a transmission waiting time for the single link, or
a second value related to an occupation time of a channel for the single link.
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing data of the claimed invention to modify the system of US 20200288523 in view of JANG’s 036 because JANG’s 036 suggests that improved techniques for ACI management in multi-link aggregation may be desired.
Regarding to the claim 12, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) further teaches wherein the control controls the wireless communication circuit to transmit one or more wireless signals based on the first value (duration of the multi link session) [see the Abstract ] and the second value (duration of the single link session) [see the Paragraph 0101 ] .
Regarding to the claim 15, claim 15 is rejected the same limitations of the claim 4 above.
Regarding to the claim 16, claim 16 is rejected the same limitations of the claim 5 above.
Regarding to the claim 17, claim 17 is rejected the same limitations of the claim 6 above.
Regarding to the claim 18, claim 18 is rejected the same limitations of the claim 7 above.
Regarding to the claim 19, claim 19 is rejected the same limitations of the claim 8 above.
Regarding to the claim 20, claim 20 is rejected the same limitations of the claim 9 above.
Regarding to the claim 21, claim 21 is rejected the same limitations of the claim 10 above.
Regarding to the claim 22, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) teaches a method performed by a wireless communication control device, the method comprising:
controlling a link usage of at least one of a first wireless communication device (STA 115a, STA 115i ) [see figure 2 ] and a second wireless communication device, the controlling the link usage comprising:
controlling a wireless communication circuit of a first wireless communication device (STA 115a, STA 115i ) [see figure 2 ] to transmit, to a second wireless communication device (STA 115a, STA 115i ) [see figure 2 ], a first information (duration of the multi link session) [see the Abstract ] and a second information (duration of the single link transmission ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] using one or more wireless signals, the first information (duration of the multi link session ) [see the Abstract ] being used for setting of communication in which the second wireless communication device uses a plurality of links, the second information (duration of the single link session ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] being used for setting of communication in which the second wireless communication device uses a single link,
wherein the first information (duration of the multi link session ) [see the Abstract ] includes information indicating a first value related to an acquisition of a transmission opportunity (TXOP ) [see Paragraphs 0152] for the plurality of links [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ] ,
wherein the second information (duration of the single link session ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] includes information indicating a second value related to an acquisition of a transmission opportunity (TXOP ) [see Paragraphs 0152] for the single link [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ],
wherein the second value (duration of the signal link session ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link is different from the first value (duration of the multi link session ) [see the Abstract ] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links,
However, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) does not explicitly teach wherein the first value related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links comprises at least one of:
a first value related to a frame transmission interval for the plurality of links,
a first value related to a transmission waiting time for the plurality of links, or
a first value related to an occupation time of a channel for the plurality of links,
wherein the second value related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link comprises at least one of:
a second value related to a frame transmission interval for the single link,
a second value related to a transmission waiting time for the single link, or
a second value related to an occupation time of a channel for the single link.
JANG’s 036, from the same or similar fields of endeavor, teaches wherein the first value (the first period of time to perform a plurality of links) [see Paragraphs 0156 & 0179] [Also see the Paragraph 0004 ] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links comprises at least one of:
a first value related to a frame transmission interval ( the first period of time to perform a plurality of links) or the plurality of links,
a first value related to a transmission waiting time for the plurality of links, or
a first value related to an occupation time of a channel for the plurality of links [Also see Paragraphs 0156 & 0157 & 0179 & 0185 & 0188 & 0190 & 0192 & 0197 & 0219 & 0233 & 0261 & 0004],
wherein the second value ( the second period of time to perform only one of the plurality of links) [see Paragraphs 0156 & 0179] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link comprises at least one of:
a second value related to a frame transmission interval ( the second period of time to perform only one of the plurality of links) [see Paragraphs 0156 & 0179] for the single link,
a second value related to a transmission waiting time for the single link, or
a second value related to an occupation time of a channel for the single link.
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing data of the claimed invention to modify the system of US 20200288523 in view of JANG’s 036 because JANG’s 036 suggests that improved techniques for ACI management in multi-link aggregation may be desired.
Regarding to the claim 23, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) teaches a method performed by a wireless communication control device, the method comprising:
controlling a link usage of at least one of a first wireless communication device (STA 115a, STA 115i ) [see figure 2 ] and a second wireless communication device, the controlling the link usage comprising:
controlling a wireless communication circuit of a first wireless communication device (STA 115a, STA 115i ) [see figure 2 ] to receive, from a second wireless communication device (STA 115a, STA 115i ) [see figure 2 ], a first information (duration of the multi link session) [see the Abstract ] and a second information (duration of the single link transmission ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] using one or more wireless signals, the first information (duration of the multi link session ) [see the Abstract ] being used for setting of communication in which the second wireless communication device uses a plurality of links, the second information (duration of the single link session ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] being used for setting of communication in which the second wireless communication device uses a single link,
wherein the first information (duration of the multi link session ) [see the Abstract ] includes information indicating a first value related to an acquisition of a transmission opportunity (TXOP ) [see Paragraphs 0152] for the plurality of links [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ] ,
wherein the second information (duration of the single link session ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] includes information indicating a second value related to an acquisition of a transmission opportunity (TXOP ) [see Paragraphs 0152] for the single link [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ],
wherein the second value (duration of the signal link session ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link is different from the first value (duration of the multi link session ) [see the Abstract ] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links,
However, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) does not explicitly teach wherein the first value related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links comprises at least one of:
a first value related to a frame transmission interval for the plurality of links,
a first value related to a transmission waiting time for the plurality of links, or
a first value related to an occupation time of a channel for the plurality of links,
wherein the second value related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link comprises at least one of:
a second value related to a frame transmission interval for the single link,
a second value related to a transmission waiting time for the single link, or
a second value related to an occupation time of a channel for the single link.
JANG’s 036, from the same or similar fields of endeavor, teaches wherein the first value (the first period of time to perform a plurality of links) [see Paragraphs 0156 & 0179] [Also see the Paragraph 0004 ] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links comprises at least one of:
a first value related to a frame transmission interval ( the first period of time to perform a plurality of links) or the plurality of links,
a first value related to a transmission waiting time for the plurality of links, or
a first value related to an occupation time of a channel for the plurality of links [Also see Paragraphs 0156 & 0157 & 0179 & 0185 & 0188 & 0190 & 0192 & 0197 & 0219 & 0233 & 0261 & 0004],
wherein the second value ( the second period of time to perform only one of the plurality of links) [see Paragraphs 0156 & 0179] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link comprises at least one of:
a second value related to a frame transmission interval ( the second period of time to perform only one of the plurality of links) [see Paragraphs 0156 & 0179] for the single link,
a second value related to a transmission waiting time for the single link, or
a second value related to an occupation time of a channel for the single link.
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing data of the claimed invention to modify the system of US 20200288523 in view of JANG’s 036 because JANG’s 036 suggests that improved techniques for ACI management in multi-link aggregation may be desired.
Regarding to the claim 24, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) teaches a non-transitory computer product containing instructions for a method performed by a wireless communication control device, the method comprising:
controlling a link usage of at least one of a first wireless communication device (STA 115a, STA 115i ) [see figure 2 ] and a second wireless communication device, the controlling the link usage comprising:
controlling a wireless communication circuit of a first wireless communication device (STA 115a, STA 115i ) [see figure 2 ] to transmit, to a second wireless communication device (STA 115a, STA 115i ) [see figure 2 ], a first information (duration of the multi link session) [see the Abstract ] and a second information (duration of the single link transmission ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] using one or more wireless signals, the first information (duration of the multi link session ) [see the Abstract ] being used for setting of communication in which the second wireless communication device uses a plurality of links, the second information (duration of the single link session ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] being used for setting of communication in which the second wireless communication device uses a single link,
wherein the first information (duration of the multi link session ) [see the Abstract ] includes information indicating a first value related to an acquisition of a transmission opportunity (TXOP ) [see Paragraphs 0152] for the plurality of links [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ] ,
wherein the second information (duration of the single link session ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] includes information indicating a second value related to an acquisition of a transmission opportunity (TXOP ) [see Paragraphs 0152] for the single link [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ],
wherein the second value (duration of the signal link session ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link is different from the first value (duration of the multi link session ) [see the Abstract ] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links,
However, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) does not explicitly teach wherein the first value related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links comprises at least one of:
a first value related to a frame transmission interval for the plurality of links,
a first value related to a transmission waiting time for the plurality of links, or
a first value related to an occupation time of a channel for the plurality of links,
wherein the second value related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link comprises at least one of:
a second value related to a frame transmission interval for the single link,
a second value related to a transmission waiting time for the single link, or
a second value related to an occupation time of a channel for the single link.
JANG’s 036, from the same or similar fields of endeavor, teaches wherein the first value (the first period of time to perform a plurality of links) [see Paragraphs 0156 & 0179] [Also see the Paragraph 0004 ] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links comprises at least one of:
a first value related to a frame transmission interval ( the first period of time to perform a plurality of links) or the plurality of links,
a first value related to a transmission waiting time for the plurality of links, or
a first value related to an occupation time of a channel for the plurality of links [Also see Paragraphs 0156 & 0157 & 0179 & 0185 & 0188 & 0190 & 0192 & 0197 & 0219 & 0233 & 0261 & 0004],
wherein the second value ( the second period of time to perform only one of the plurality of links) [see Paragraphs 0156 & 0179] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link comprises at least one of:
a second value related to a frame transmission interval ( the second period of time to perform only one of the plurality of links) [see Paragraphs 0156 & 0179] for the single link,
a second value related to a transmission waiting time for the single link, or
a second value related to an occupation time of a channel for the single link.
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing data of the claimed invention to modify the system of US 20200288523 in view of JANG’s 036 because JANG’s 036 suggests that improved techniques for ACI management in multi-link aggregation may be desired.
Regarding to the claim 25, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) teaches a non-transitory computer product containing instructions for a method performed by a wireless communication control device, the method comprising:
controlling a link usage of at least one of a first wireless communication device (STA 115a, STA 115i ) [see figure 2 ] and a second wireless communication device, the controlling the link usage comprising:
controlling a wireless communication circuit of a first wireless communication device (STA 115a, STA 115i ) [see figure 2 ] to receive, from a second wireless communication device (STA 115a, STA 115i ) [see figure 2 ], a first information (duration of the multi link session) [see the Abstract ] and a second information (duration of the single link transmission ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] using one or more wireless signals, the first information (duration of the multi link session ) [see the Abstract ] being used for setting of communication in which the second wireless communication device uses a plurality of links, the second information (duration of the single link session ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] being used for setting of communication in which the second wireless communication device uses a single link,
wherein the first information (duration of the multi link session ) [see the Abstract ] includes information indicating a first value related to an acquisition of a transmission opportunity (TXOP ) [see Paragraphs 0152] for the plurality of links [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ] ,
wherein the second information (duration of the single link session ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] includes information indicating a second value related to an acquisition of a transmission opportunity (TXOP ) [see Paragraphs 0152] for the single link [Also see the paragraphs 0128 & 0130 & 0138 & 0150 & 0152 & 0176 & 0185 & 0186 ],
wherein the second value (duration of the signal link session ) [see Paragraph 0101 ] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link is different from the first value (duration of the multi link session ) [see the Abstract ] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links,
However, ( US 20200288523, Provisional Application No. 62816028, Provisional Application No. 62834316 ) does not explicitly teach wherein the first value related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links comprises at least one of:
a first value related to a frame transmission interval for the plurality of links,
a first value related to a transmission waiting time for the plurality of links, or
a first value related to an occupation time of a channel for the plurality of links,
wherein the second value related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link comprises at least one of:
a second value related to a frame transmission interval for the single link,
a second value related to a transmission waiting time for the single link, or
a second value related to an occupation time of a channel for the single link.
JANG’s 036, from the same or similar fields of endeavor, teaches wherein the first value (the first period of time to perform a plurality of links) [see Paragraphs 0156 & 0179] [Also see the Paragraph 0004 ] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links comprises at least one of:
a first value related to a frame transmission interval ( the first period of time to perform a plurality of links) or the plurality of links,
a first value related to a transmission waiting time for the plurality of links, or
a first value related to an occupation time of a channel for the plurality of links [Also see Paragraphs 0156 & 0157 & 0179 & 0185 & 0188 & 0190 & 0192 & 0197 & 0219 & 0233 & 0261 & 0004],
wherein the second value ( the second period of time to perform only one of the plurality of links) [see Paragraphs 0156 & 0179] related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link comprises at least one of:
a second value related to a frame transmission interval ( the second period of time to perform only one of the plurality of links) [see Paragraphs 0156 & 0179] for the single link,
a second value related to a transmission waiting time for the single link, or
a second value related to an occupation time of a channel for the single link.
Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing data of the claimed invention to modify the system of US 20200288523 in view of JANG’s 036 because JANG’s 036 suggests that improved techniques for ACI management in multi-link aggregation may be desired.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claim 1 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. 12127243. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because
Claim 1 of the application serial number 18905171
Claim 1 of the Patent Number 12127243
A wireless communication control device comprising : a control circuit configured to control a wireless communication circuit of a first wireless communication device to transmit, to a second wireless communication device, a first information and a second information using one or more wireless signals, the first information being used for setting of communication in which the second wireless communication device uses a plurality of links, the second information being used for setting of communication in which the second wireless communication device uses a single link, wherein the first information includes information indicating a first value related to an acquisition of a transmission opportunity for the plurality of links, wherein the second information includes information indicating a second value related to an acquisition of a transmission opportunity for the single link, wherein the second value related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link is different from the first value related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links, wherein the first value related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the plurality of links comprises at least one of: a first value related to a frame transmission interval for the plurality of links, a first value related to a transmission waiting time for the plurality of links, or a first value related to an occupation time of a channel for the plurality of links, wherein the second value related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity for the single link comprises at least one of: a second value related to a frame transmission interval for the single link, a second value related to a transmission waiting time for the single link, or a second value related to an occupation time of a channel for the single link
A wireless communication device comprising: a control circuit that transmits a first parameter and a second parameter, the first parameter being used for setting of communication in which a wireless communication terminal uses a plurality of links, the second parameter being used for setting of communication in which the wireless communication terminal uses a single link, wherein the first parameter and the second parameter each include a parameter related to acquisition of a transmission opportunity, wherein the first parameter and the second parameter each include, as the parameter related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity, a parameter related to a frame transmission interval or a parameter related to transmission waiting time, and the frame transmission interval and the transmission waiting time are set to be smaller in the first parameter than in the second parameter, or wherein the first parameter and the second parameter each include, as the parameter related to the acquisition of the transmission opportunity, a value related to occupation time of a channel, and the value related to the occupation time of the channel is set to be longer in the first parameter than in the second parameter.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 2, 3 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 an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
The prior art fails to disclose wherein the first value related to the frame transmission interval for the plurality of links and the first value related to the transmission waiting time for the plurality of links are set to be smaller than a respective one of the second value related to the frame transmission interval for the single link and the second value related to the transmission waiting time for the single link, or
wherein the first value related to the occupation time of the channel for the plurality of links is set to be longer than the second value related to the occupation time of the channel for the single link.
Claims 13, 14 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 an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
The prior art fails to disclose wherein the first value related to the frame transmission interval and the first value related to the transmission waiting time are set to be smaller than a respective one of the second value related to the frame transmission interval and the second value related to the transmission waiting time, or wherein the first value related to the occupation time of the channel is set to be longer than the second value related to the occupation time of the channel.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to CHUONG T HO whose telephone number is (571)272-3133. The examiner can normally be reached 7:30-4:00.
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, Charles C Jiang can be reached at 571-270-7191. 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.
/CHUONG T HO/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2412
Prosecution Insights