Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 01, 2026
Application No. 18/952,137

PILOT TONES IN DISTRIBUTED RESOURCE UNIT (DRU) TRANSMISSION

Non-Final OA §DP
Filed
Nov 19, 2024
Priority
Jul 30, 2021 — continuation of 11/838,227 +1 more
Examiner
SAMARA, LOUIS
Art Unit
Tech Center
Assignee
Qualcomm Incorporated
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
95%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
7m
Est. Remaining
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 95% — above average
95%
Career Allowance Rate
243 granted / 257 resolved
+34.6% vs TC avg
Moderate +7% lift
Without
With
+6.7%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 5m
Avg Prosecution
25 currently pending
Career history
276
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.8%
-39.2% vs TC avg
§103
66.7%
+26.7% vs TC avg
§102
16.4%
-23.6% vs TC avg
§112
11.0%
-29.0% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 257 resolved cases

Office Action

§DP
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 . Information Disclosure Statement The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 11/19/2024, 10/30/2025, and 07/23/2026; the submission is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner. 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. Claims 2, 3, 7, 12, 17-21 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim2 and 14 of U.S. Patent No. 12184568 in view of US-20210400670-A1 to Hu. Regarding claim 2 US-12184568 teaches…an apparatus for wireless communication at a wireless communication device, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory coupled with the at least one processor, wherein the processor is configured to cause the apparatus to: modulate a physical layer convergence protocol (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU) on a number (M) of tones representing a logical resource unit (RU) that is associated with a number (K) of pilot tones each having a respective location relative to the M tones; map the M tones to M noncontiguous subcarrier indices of a plurality of subcarrier indices spanning a wireless channel, the M noncontiguous subcarrier indices representing a distributed resource unit (dRU); and transmit, over the wireless channel, the PPDU including a number (N) of pilot tones each having a respective location relative to the M tones as mapped to the M noncontiguous subcarrier indices and different than the relative locations of the K pilot tones, the relative locations of the N pilot tones being associated with N subcarrier indices of the plurality of subcarrier indices but does not teach…and based at least in part on a hierarchical structure of the dRU. Hu teaches… and based at least in part on a hierarchical structure of the dRU (P.8, ). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the combination of US-12184568 by incorporating the teachings of HU because the method and device allow for various modes of configuration of frequency resources (bandwidth) also known as distribution window size that cover 20, 40, 60, 80, 160MHz (HU, Abs). The motivation is that by applying a well-known standard or protocol or machine to a system provides the system with significantly improved industrial applicability. Regarding claim 3 US-12184560 and Hu teach the apparatus of claim 2, Hu teaches…wherein the wireless channel is associated with a bandwidth of 20 megahertz (MHz) (P.8 ). Regarding claim 7 US-12184560 and Hu teach the apparatus of claim 2, HU teaches…wherein the wireless channel is associated with a bandwidth of 40 megahertz (MHz) (Fig. 7 ). Regarding claim 12 US-12184560 and Hu teach the apparatus of claim 2, Hu teaches…wherein the wireless channel is associated with a bandwidth of 80 megahertz (MHz) (Fig. 7). Regarding claim 17 US-12184560 and Hu teach the apparatus of claim 2,Hu teaches.. wherein the hierarchical structure of the dRU comprises corresponds to a 26-tone hierarchical structure. Regarding claim 18 US-12184560 and Hu teach the apparatus of claim 2, Hu teaches…wherein the N pilot tones included in the PPDU are in accordance with the M tones (P.8 ). Regarding claim 19 US-12184560 and Hu teach the apparatus of claim 2, Hu teaches…wherein the N subcarrier indices are selected from a plurality of sets of subcarrier indices according to an index (P.8). Regarding claim 20 US-12184560 teaches….a method for wireless communication at a wireless communication device, comprising: modulating a physical layer convergence protocol (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU) on a number (M) of tones representing a logical resource unit (RU) that is associated with a number (K) of pilot tones each having a respective location relative to the M tones; mapping the M tones to M noncontiguous subcarrier indices of a plurality of subcarrier indices spanning a wireless channel, the M noncontiguous subcarrier indices representing a distributed resource unit (dRU); and transmitting, over the wireless channel, the PPDU including a number (N) of pilot tones each having a respective location relative to the M tones as mapped to the M noncontiguous subcarrier indices and different than the relative locations of the K pilot tones, the relative locations of the N pilot tones being associated with N subcarrier indices of the plurality of subcarrier indices but does not teach…and based at least in part on a hierarchical structure of the dRU. Hu teaches… and based at least in part on a hierarchical structure of the dRU(P.8, ). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the combination of US-12184568 by incorporating the teachings of HU because the method and device allow for various modes of configuration of frequency resources (bandwidth) also known as distribution window size that cover 20, 40, 60, 80, 160MHz (HU, Abs). The motivation is that by applying a well-known standard or protocol or machine to a system provides the system with significantly improved industrial applicability. Regarding claim 21 US-12184560 teaches…an apparatus for wireless communication at a wireless communication device, comprising: means for modulating a physical layer convergence protocol (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU) on a number (M) of tones representing a logical resource unit (RU) that is associated with a number (K) of pilot tones each having a respective location relative to the M tones; means for mapping the M tones to M noncontiguous subcarrier indices of a plurality of subcarrier indices spanning a wireless channel, the M noncontiguous subcarrier indices representing a distributed resource unit (dRU); and means for transmitting, over the wireless channel, the PPDU including a number (N) of pilot tones each having a respective location relative to the M tones as mapped to the M noncontiguous subcarrier indices and different than the relative locations of the K pilot tones, the relative locations of the N pilot tones being associated with N subcarrier indices of the plurality of subcarrier indices but does not teach… and based at least in part on a hierarchical structure of the dRU. Hu teaches… and based at least in part on a hierarchical structure of the dRU(P.8, ). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the combination of US-12184568 by incorporating the teachings of HU because the method and device allow for various modes of configuration of frequency resources (bandwidth) also known as distribution window size that cover 20, 40, 60, 80, 160MHz (HU, Abs). The motivation is that by applying a well-known standard or protocol or machine to a system provides the system with significantly improved industrial applicability. Claims 4-6, 8-11, and 13-16 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 2 of U.S. Patent No. 12184568 in view of US-2018006793-A1 to Azizi. Regarding claim 4 US-12184560 and Hu teach the apparatus of claim 3, but do not teach…wherein the M tones correspond to 26 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 2 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of {-111 15}, {-89 37}, {-100 26}, {-78 48}, {-67 59}, {-56 70}, {-34 92}, {-45 81}, or {-23 103}. Azizi teaches… wherein the M tones correspond to 26 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 2 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of {-111 15}, {-89 37}, {-100 26}, {-78 48}, {-67 59}, {-56 70}, {-34 92}, {-45 81}, or {-23 103} (Fig. 7 ). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the combination of US-12184568 and Hu by incorporating the teachings of Azizi because the method and device allow for various modes of configuration of frequency resources (bandwidth) also known as distribution window size that cover 20, 40, 60, 80, 160MHz and the distribution of tones and pilot tones as illustrated on fig 7 (Azizi, P. 51). The motivation is that by applying a well-known standard or protocol or machine to a system provides the system with significantly improved industrial applicability. Regarding claim 5 US-12184560 and Hu teach the apparatus of claim 3, but do not teach…wherein the M tones correspond to 52 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 4 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of four sets of subcarrier indices, each of the four sets including four respective subcarrier indices. Azizi teaches.. wherein the M tones correspond to 52 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 4 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of four sets of subcarrier indices, each of the four sets including four respective subcarrier indices (Fig. 7 ). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the combination of US-12184568 and Hu by incorporating the teachings of Azizi because the method and device allow for various modes of configuration of frequency resources (bandwidth) also known as distribution window size that cover 20, 40, 60, 80, 160MHz and the distribution of tones and pilot tones as illustrated on fig 7 (Azizi, P. 51). The motivation is that by applying a well-known standard or protocol or machine to a system provides the system with significantly improved industrial applicability. Regarding claim 6 US-12184560 and Hu teach the apparatus of claim 3, but do not teach…wherein the M tones correspond to 106 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 4 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of two sets of subcarrier indices, each of the two sets including four respective subcarrier indices. Azizi teaches… wherein the M tones correspond to 106 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 4 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of two sets of subcarrier indices, each of the two sets including four respective subcarrier indices (Fig. 7 ). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the combination of US-12184568 and Hu by incorporating the teachings of Azizi because the method and device allow for various modes of configuration of frequency resources (bandwidth) also known as distribution window size that cover 20, 40, 60, 80, 160MHz and the distribution of tones and pilot tones as illustrated on fig 7 (Azizi, P. 51). The motivation is that by applying a well-known standard or protocol or machine to a system provides the system with significantly improved industrial applicability. Regarding claim 8 US-12184560 and Hu teach the apparatus of claim 7, but do not teach wherein the M tones correspond to 26 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 2 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of eighteen sets of subcarrier indices, each of the eighteen sets including two respective subcarrier indices. Azizi teaches… wherein the M tones correspond to 26 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 2 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of eighteen sets of subcarrier indices, each of the eighteen sets including two respective subcarrier indices (Fig. 7 ). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the combination of US-12184568 and Hu by incorporating the teachings of Azizi because the method and device allow for various modes of configuration of frequency resources (bandwidth) also known as distribution window size that cover 20, 40, 60, 80, 160MHz and the distribution of tones and pilot tones as illustrated on fig 7 (Azizi, P. 51). The motivation is that by applying a well-known standard or protocol or machine to a system provides the system with significantly improved industrial applicability. Regarding claim 9 US-12184560 and Hu teach the apparatus of claim 7, but do not teach…wherein the M tones correspond to 52 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 4 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of eight sets of subcarrier indices, each of the eight sets including four respective subcarrier indices. Azizi teaches… wherein the M tones correspond to 52 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 4 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of eight sets of subcarrier indices, each of the eight sets including four respective subcarrier indices (Fig. 7 ). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the combination of US-12184568 and Hu by incorporating the teachings of Azizi because the method and device allow for various modes of configuration of frequency resources (bandwidth) also known as distribution window size that cover 20, 40, 60, 80, 160MHz and the distribution of tones and pilot tones as illustrated on fig 7 (Azizi, P. 51). The motivation is that by applying a well-known standard or protocol or machine to a system provides the system with significantly improved industrial applicability. Regarding claim 10 US-12184560 and Hu teach the apparatus of claim 7, but do not teach…wherein the M tones correspond to 106 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 4 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of a four sets of subcarrier indices, each of the four sets including four respective subcarrier indices. Azizi teaches… wherein the M tones correspond to 106 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 4 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of a four sets of subcarrier indices, each of the four sets including four respective subcarrier indices (Fig. 7 ). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the combination of US-12184568 and Hu by incorporating the teachings of Azizi because the method and device allow for various modes of configuration of frequency resources (bandwidth) also known as distribution window size that cover 20, 40, 60, 80, 160MHz and the distribution of tones and pilot tones as illustrated on fig 7 (Azizi, P. 51). The motivation is that by applying a well-known standard or protocol or machine to a system provides the system with significantly improved industrial applicability. Regarding claim 11 US-12184560 and Hu teach the apparatus of claim 7, but do not teach…wherein the M tones correspond to 242 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 8 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of two sets of subcarrier indices, each of the two sets including eight respective subcarrier indices. Azizi teaches… wherein the M tones correspond to 242 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 8 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of two sets of subcarrier indices, each of the two sets including eight respective subcarrier indices (Fig. 7 ). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the combination of US-12184568 and Hu by incorporating the teachings of Azizi because the method and device allow for various modes of configuration of frequency resources (bandwidth) also known as distribution window size that cover 20, 40, 60, 80, 160MHz and the distribution of tones and pilot tones as illustrated on fig 7 (Azizi, P. 51). The motivation is that by applying a well-known standard or protocol or machine to a system provides the system with significantly improved industrial applicability. Regarding claim 13 US-12184560 and Hu teach the apparatus of claim 12, but do not teach…wherein the M tones correspond to 52 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 4 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of sixteen sets of subcarrier indices, each of the sixteen sets including four respective subcarrier indices. Azizi teaches… wherein the M tones correspond to 52 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 4 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of sixteen sets of subcarrier indices, each of the sixteen sets including four respective subcarrier indices (Fig. 7 ). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the combination of US-12184568 and Hu by incorporating the teachings of Azizi because the method and device allow for various modes of configuration of frequency resources (bandwidth) also known as distribution window size that cover 20, 40, 60, 80, 160MHz and the distribution of tones and pilot tones as illustrated on fig 7 (Azizi, P. 51). The motivation is that by applying a well-known standard or protocol or machine to a system provides the system with significantly improved industrial applicability. Regarding claim 14 US-12184560 and Hu teach the apparatus of claim 12, but do not teach…wherein the M tones correspond to 106 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 4 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of eight sets of subcarrier indices, each of the eight sets including four respective subcarrier indices. Azizi teaches… wherein the M tones correspond to 106 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 4 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of eight sets of subcarrier indices, each of the eight sets including four respective subcarrier indices (Fig. 7 ). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the combination of US-12184568 and Hu by incorporating the teachings of Azizi because the method and device allow for various modes of configuration of frequency resources (bandwidth) also known as distribution window size that cover 20, 40, 60, 80, 160MHz and the distribution of tones and pilot tones as illustrated on fig 7 (Azizi, P. 51). The motivation is that by applying a well-known standard or protocol or machine to a system provides the system with significantly improved industrial applicability. Regarding claim 15 US-12184560 and Hu teach the apparatus of claim 12, but do not teach…wherein the M tones correspond to 242 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 8 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of four sets of subcarrier indices, each of the four sets including eight respective subcarrier indices. Azizi teaches… wherein the M tones correspond to 242 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 8 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of four sets of subcarrier indices, each of the four sets including eight respective subcarrier indices (Fig. 7 ). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the combination of US-12184568 and Hu by incorporating the teachings of Azizi because the method and device allow for various modes of configuration of frequency resources (bandwidth) also known as distribution window size that cover 20, 40, 60, 80, 160MHz and the distribution of tones and pilot tones as illustrated on fig 7 (Azizi, P. 51). The motivation is that by applying a well-known standard or protocol or machine to a system provides the system with significantly improved industrial applicability. Regarding claim 16 US-12184560 and Hu teach the apparatus of claim 12, but do not teach…wherein the M tones correspond to 484 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 16 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of two sets of subcarrier indices, each of the two sets including sixteen respective subcarrier indices. Azizi teaches… wherein the M tones correspond to 484 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 16 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of two sets of subcarrier indices, each of the two sets including sixteen respective subcarrier indices (Fig. 7 ). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the combination of US-12184568 and Hu by incorporating the teachings of Azizi because the method and device allow for various modes of configuration of frequency resources (bandwidth) also known as distribution window size that cover 20, 40, 60, 80, 160MHz and the distribution of tones and pilot tones as illustrated on fig 7 (Azizi, P. 51). The motivation is that by applying a well-known standard or protocol or machine to a system provides the system with significantly improved industrial applicability. Instant Application: 18952137 US12184560, App: 18513461 Regarding claim 2 An apparatus for wireless communication at a wireless communication device, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory coupled with the at least one processor, wherein the processor is configured to cause the apparatus to: modulate a physical layer convergence protocol (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU) on a number (M) of tones representing a logical resource unit (RU) that is associated with a number (K) of pilot tones each having a respective location relative to the M tones; map the M tones to M noncontiguous subcarrier indices of a plurality of subcarrier indices spanning a wireless channel, the M noncontiguous subcarrier indices representing a distributed resource unit (dRU); and transmit, over the wireless channel, the PPDU including a number (N) of pilot tones each having a respective location relative to the M tones as mapped to the M noncontiguous subcarrier indices and different than the relative locations of the K pilot tones, the relative locations of the N pilot tones being associated with N subcarrier indices of the plurality of subcarrier indices and based at least in part on a hierarchical structure of the dRU. Claim 2 A wireless communication device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory communicatively coupled with the at least one processor and storing processor-readable code that, when executed by the at least one processor, is configured to: modulate a physical layer convergence protocol (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU) on a number (M) of tones representing a logical resource unit (RU) that is associated with a number (K) of pilot tones each having a respective location relative to the M tones; map the M tones to M noncontiguous subcarrier indices of a plurality of subcarrier indices spanning a wireless channel, the M tones mapped to the M noncontiguous subcarrier indices representing a distributed resource unit (dRU), wherein the dRU is associated with a 26-tone dRU-based hierarchical structure; and transmit, over the wireless channel, the PPDU including a number (N) of pilot tones each having a respective location relative to the M tones as mapped to the M noncontiguous subcarrier indices and different than the relative locations of the K pilot tones, the relative locations of the N pilot tones being associated with N subcarrier indices of the plurality of subcarrier indices and based at least in part on the 26-tone dRU-based hierarchical structure in view of US-20210400670-A1 to HU. Regarding claim 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the wireless channel is associated with a bandwidth of 20 megahertz (MHz). See rejection above Regarding claim 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the M tones correspond to 26 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 2 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of {-111 15}, {-89 37}, {-100 26}, {-78 48}, {-67 59}, {-56 70}, {-34 92}, {-45 81}, or {-23 103}. See rejection above Regarding claim . The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the M tones correspond to 52 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 4 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of four sets of subcarrier indices, each of the four sets including four respective subcarrier indices. See rejection above Regarding claim 6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the M tones correspond to 106 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 4 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of two sets of subcarrier indices, each of the two sets including four respective subcarrier indices. See rejection above Regarding claim 7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the wireless channel is associated with a bandwidth of 40 megahertz (MHz). See rejection above Regarding claim 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the M tones correspond to 26 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 2 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of eighteen sets of subcarrier indices, each of the eighteen sets including two respective subcarrier indices. See rejection above Regarding claim 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the M tones correspond to 52 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 4 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of eight sets of subcarrier indices, each of the eight sets including four respective subcarrier indices. See rejection above Regarding claim 10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the M tones correspond to 106 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 4 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of a four sets of subcarrier indices, each of the four sets including four respective subcarrier indices. See rejection above Regarding claim 11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the M tones correspond to 242 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 8 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of two sets of subcarrier indices, each of the two sets including eight respective subcarrier indices. See rejection above Regarding claim 12. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the wireless channel is associated with a bandwidth of 80 megahertz (MHz). See rejection above Regarding claim 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the M tones correspond to 52 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 4 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of sixteen sets of subcarrier indices, each of the sixteen sets including four respective subcarrier indices. See rejection above Regarding claim 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the M tones correspond to 106 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 4 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of eight sets of subcarrier indices, each of the eight sets including four respective subcarrier indices. See rejection above Regarding claim 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the M tones correspond to 242 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 8 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of four sets of subcarrier indices, each of the four sets including eight respective subcarrier indices. See rejection above Regarding claim 16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the M tones correspond to 484 tones and the N pilot tones correspond to 16 pilot tones, and wherein the N subcarrier indices are equal to one of two sets of subcarrier indices, each of the two sets including sixteen respective subcarrier indices. See rejection above Regarding claim 17. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hierarchical structure of the dRU comprises corresponds to a 26-tone hierarchical structure. See rejection above Regarding claim 18. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the N pilot tones included in the PPDU are in accordance with the M tones. See rejection above Regarding claim 19. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the N subcarrier indices are selected from a plurality of sets of subcarrier indices according to an index. See rejection above Regarding claim 20. A method for wireless communication at a wireless communication device, comprising: modulating a physical layer convergence protocol (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU) on a number (M) of tones representing a logical resource unit (RU) that is associated with a number (K) of pilot tones each having a respective location relative to the M tones; mapping the M tones to M noncontiguous subcarrier indices of a plurality of subcarrier indices spanning a wireless channel, the M noncontiguous subcarrier indices representing a distributed resource unit (dRU); and transmitting, over the wireless channel, the PPDU including a number (N) of pilot tones each having a respective location relative to the M tones as mapped to the M noncontiguous subcarrier indices and different than the relative locations of the K pilot tones, the relative locations of the N pilot tones being associated with N subcarrier indices of the plurality of subcarrier indices and based at least in part on a hierarchical structure of the dRU. Claim 14. (Previously Presented) A method for wireless communication performed by a wireless communication device, comprising: modulating a physical layer convergence protocol (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU) on a number (M) of tones representing a logical resource unit (RU) that is associated with a number (K) of pilot tones each having a respective location relative to the M tones; mapping the M tones to M noncontiguous subcarrier indices of a plurality of subcarrier indices spanning a wireless channel, the M tones mapped to the M noncontiguous subcarrier indices representing a distributed resource unit (dRU), wherein the dRU is associated with a 26-tone dRU-based hierarchical structure; and transmitting, over the wireless channel, the PPDU including a number (N) of pilot tones each having a respective location relative to the M tones as mapped to the M noncontiguous subcarrier indices and different than the relative locations of the K pilot tones, the relative locations of the N pilot tones being associated with N subcarrier indices of the plurality of subcarrier indices and based at least in part on the 26-tone dRU-based hierarchical structure in view of US-20210400670-A1 to HU. Regarding claim 21. An apparatus for wireless communication at a wireless communication device, comprising: means for modulating a physical layer convergence protocol (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU) on a number (M) of tones representing a logical resource unit (RU) that is associated with a number (K) of pilot tones each having a respective location relative to the M tones; means for mapping the M tones to M noncontiguous subcarrier indices of a plurality of subcarrier indices spanning a wireless channel, the M noncontiguous subcarrier indices representing a distributed resource unit (dRU); and means for transmitting, over the wireless channel, the PPDU including a number (N) of pilot tones each having a respective location relative to the M tones as mapped to the M noncontiguous subcarrier indices and different than the relative locations of the K pilot tones, the relative locations of the N pilot tones being associated with N subcarrier indices of the plurality of subcarrier indices and based at least in part on a hierarchical structure of the dRU. 2. (Previously Presented) A wireless communication device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory communicatively coupled with the at least one processor and storing processor-readable code that, when executed by the at least one processor, is configured to: modulate a physical layer convergence protocol (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU) on a number (M) of tones representing a logical resource unit (RU) that is associated with a number (K) of pilot tones each having a respective location relative to the M tones; map the M tones to M noncontiguous subcarrier indices of a plurality of subcarrier indices spanning a wireless channel, the M tones mapped to the M noncontiguous subcarrier indices representing a distributed resource unit (dRU), wherein the dRU is associated with a 26-tone dRU-based hierarchical structure; and transmit, over the wireless channel, the PPDU including a number (N) of pilot tones each having a respective location relative to the M tones as mapped to the M noncontiguous subcarrier indices and different than the relative locations of the K pilot tones, the relative locations of the N pilot tones being associated with N subcarrier indices of the plurality of subcarrier indices and based at least in part on the 26-tone dRU-based hierarchical structure in view of US-20210400670-A1 to HU. Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. See PTO form PTO-892: US-20220279562-A1 to Park discloses mapping of tones both data and pilot also demapping process; US-20170288838-A1 to Cariou discloses PPDU resource allocation; US-20210273757-A1 to Shellhammer PLCP protocol data unit PPDU. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to LOUIS SAMARA whose telephone number is (408)918-7582. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday 6-3 PT. 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. /L.S./Examiner, Art Unit 2476 /AYAZ R SHEIKH/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2476
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Prosecution Timeline

Nov 19, 2024
Application Filed
Sep 24, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §DP (current)

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1-2
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99%
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2y 5m (~7m remaining)
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