Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 02, 2026
Application No. 18/976,045

DYNAMIC RESOURCE ALLOCATION AMONG DIFFERENT OFDM NUMEROLOGY SCHEMES

Non-Final OA §DP
Filed
Dec 10, 2024
Priority
Aug 12, 2016 — EU 16184078.0 +5 more
Examiner
BEYEN, ZEWDU A
Art Unit
Tech Center
Assignee
Panasonic Holdings Corporation
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
84%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
11m
Est. Remaining
98%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 84% — above average
84%
Career Allowance Rate
717 granted / 859 resolved
+23.5% vs TC avg
Moderate +15% lift
Without
With
+14.8%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 9m
Avg Prosecution
35 currently pending
Career history
889
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
4.9%
-35.1% vs TC avg
§103
61.7%
+21.7% vs TC avg
§102
16.7%
-23.3% vs TC avg
§112
10.5%
-29.5% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 859 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 . 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 1-18 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-18 of U.S. Patent No. 11,831,582. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because claims 1-18 of U.S. Patent No. 11,831,582 anticipates pending claims 1-18. Claim # 18976045 Claim # Patent #11,831,582 1 1. A base station comprising: a transmitter, which, in operation, transmits, to a user equipment, configuration information indicating a first reference resource set and a second reference resource set, wherein the second reference resource set overlaps with the first reference resource set in at least one of a frequency domain or a time domain; the first reference resource set defining bounds of schedulable time-frequency radio resources that can be allocated according to a first numerology scheme out of a plurality of numerology schemes, the plurality of numerology schemes respectively partitioning time-frequency radio resources into resource scheduling units; the second reference resource set defining bounds of schedulable time-frequency radio resources that can be allocated according to a second numerology scheme out of the plurality of numerology schemes; and transmits, to the user equipment, resource allocation information; and circuitry, which is coupled to the transmitter and which, in operation, generates the resource allocation information, the resource allocation information indicating time-frequency radio resources of the first reference resource set that is allocated to the user equipment by the base station according to the first numerology scheme, wherein, the time-frequency radio resources allocated according to the first numerology scheme are re-allocated according to the second numerology scheme having a shorter scheduling time interval than the first numerology scheme, by overwriting the time-frequency radio resources allocated according to the first numerology scheme, wherein information on the overwritten time-frequency radio resources is broadcast. 1. A user equipment comprising: a receiver, which, in operation, receives, from a base station, configuration information indicating a first reference resource set and a second reference resource set, wherein the second reference resource set overlaps with the first reference resource set in at least one of a frequency domain or a time domain; the first reference resource set defining bounds of schedulable time-frequency radio resources that can be allocated according to a first numerology scheme out of a plurality of numerology schemes, the plurality of numerology schemes respectively partitioning time-frequency radio resources into resource scheduling units; the second reference resource set defining bounds of schedulable time-frequency radio resources that can be allocated according to a second numerology scheme out of the plurality of numerology schemes; and receives, from the base station, resource allocation information; and circuitry, which is coupled to the receiver and which, in operation, processes the resource allocation information, the resource allocation information indicating time-frequency radio resources of the first reference resource set that is allocated to the user equipment by the base station according to the first numerology scheme, wherein, the time-frequency radio resources allocated according to the first numerology scheme are re-allocated according to the second numerology scheme having a shorter scheduling time interval than the first numerology scheme, by overwriting the time-frequency radio resources allocated according to the first numerology scheme, wherein information on the overwritten time-frequency radio resources is broadcast. 2 2. The base station according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of numerology schemes are multiplexed across the time-frequency radio resources in the time domain and/or the frequency domain based on the first reference resource set or the second reference resource set, without overlapping each other in the time domain or the frequency domain. 2. The user equipment according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of numerology schemes are multiplexed across the time-frequency radio resources in the time domain and/or the frequency domain based on the first reference resource set or the second reference resource set, without overlapping each other in the time domain or the frequency domain. 3 3. The base station according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter, in operation, transmits the configuration information through broadcast information; and wherein the plurality of numerology schemes are configured semi-statically. 3. The user equipment according to claim 1, wherein the receiver, in operation, receives the configuration information through broadcast information; and wherein the plurality of numerology schemes are configured semi-statically. 4 4. The base station according to claim 1, wherein each of the first reference resource set and the second reference resource set includes at least one control information region usable to transmit the resource allocation information, and wherein, the control information region of the first reference resource set overlaps the control information region of the second reference resource set; and/or time-frequency radio resources of the control information region according to the first numerology scheme are usable to transmit data according to the second numerology scheme. 4. The user equipment according to claim 1, wherein each of the first reference resource set and the second reference resource set includes at least one control information region usable to transmit the resource allocation information, and wherein, the control information region of the first reference resource set overlaps the control information region of the second reference resource set; and/or time-frequency radio resources of the control information region according to the first numerology scheme are usable to transmit data according to the second numerology scheme. 5 5. The base station according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first reference resource set and the second reference resource set includes a control information region usable to transmit the resource allocation information, and the user equipment monitors the control information region so as to receive the resource allocation information destined to the user equipment. 5. The user equipment according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first reference resource set and the second reference resource set includes a control information region usable to transmit the resource allocation information, and the receiver, in operation, monitors the control information region so as to receive the resource allocation information destined to the user equipment. 6 6. The base station according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first reference resource set and the second reference resource set includes a control information region usable to transmit the resource allocation information, and the transmitter, in operation, transmits, to the user equipment, information regarding the control information region. 7. The base station according to claim 1, wherein the first reference resource set according to the first numerology scheme includes a common control information region usable to transmit the resource allocation information, wherein time-frequency radio resources of the control information region according to the first numerology scheme are usable to transmit data according to the second numerology scheme, and wherein the user equipment monitors the common control information region so as to receive the resource allocation information destined to the user equipment. 6. The user equipment according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first reference resource set and the second reference resource set includes a control information region usable to transmit the resource allocation information, and the receiver, in operation, receives, from the base station, information regarding the control information region. 7. The user equipment according to claim 1, wherein the first reference resource set according to the first numerology scheme includes a common control information region usable to transmit the resource allocation information, wherein time-frequency radio resources of the control information region according to the first numerology scheme are usable to transmit data according to the second numerology scheme, and wherein the user equipment monitors the common control information region so as to receive the resource allocation information destined to the user equipment. 8 8. The base station according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of numerology schemes partition the time-frequency radio resources using different subcarrier spacing configurations. 8. The user equipment according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of numerology schemes partition the time-frequency radio resources using different subcarrier spacing configurations. 9 9. The base station according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of numerology schemes partition the time-frequency radio resources using different bandwidth configurations. 9. The user equipment according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of numerology schemes partition the time-frequency radio resources using different bandwidth configurations. 10 10. A method of a base station, the method comprising: transmitting, to a user equipment, configuration information indicating a first reference resource set and a second reference resource set, wherein the second reference resource set overlaps with the first reference resource set in at least one of a frequency domain or a time domain; the first reference resource set defining bounds of schedulable time-frequency radio resources that can be allocated according to a first numerology scheme out of a plurality of numerology schemes, the plurality of numerology schemes respectively partitioning time-frequency radio resources into resource scheduling units; the second reference resource set defining bounds of schedulable time-frequency radio resources that can be allocated according to a second numerology scheme out of the plurality of numerology schemes; and generating and transmitting, to the user equipment, resource allocation information, the resource allocation information indicating time-frequency radio resources of the first reference resource set that is allocated to the user equipment by the base station according to the first numerology scheme, wherein, the time-frequency radio resources allocated according to the first numerology scheme are re-allocated according to the second numerology scheme having a shorter scheduling time interval than the first numerology scheme, by overwriting the time-frequency radio resources allocated according to the first numerology scheme, wherein information on the overwritten time-frequency radio resources is broadcast. 10. A method of a user equipment, the method comprising: receiving, from a base station, configuration information indicating a first reference resource set and a second reference resource set, wherein the second reference resource set overlaps with the first reference resource set in at least one of a frequency domain or a time domain; the first reference resource set defining bounds of schedulable time-frequency radio resources that can be allocated according to a first numerology scheme out of a plurality of numerology schemes, the plurality of numerology schemes respectively partitioning time-frequency radio resources into resource scheduling units; the second reference resource set defining bounds of schedulable time-frequency radio resources that can be allocated according to a second numerology scheme out of the plurality of numerology schemes; and receiving, from the base station, and processing resource allocation information, the resource allocation information indicating time-frequency radio resources of the first reference resource set that is allocated to the user equipment by the base station according to the first numerology scheme, wherein, the time-frequency radio resources allocated according to the first numerology scheme are re-allocated according to the second numerology scheme having a shorter scheduling time interval than the first numerology scheme, by overwriting the time-frequency radio resources allocated according to the first numerology scheme, wherein information on the overwritten time-frequency radio resources is broadcast. 11 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of numerology schemes are multiplexed across the time-frequency radio resources in the time domain and/or the frequency domain based on the first reference resource set or the second reference resource set, without overlapping each other in the time domain or the frequency domain. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of numerology schemes are multiplexed across the time-frequency radio resources in the time domain and/or the frequency domain based on the first reference resource set or the second reference resource set, without overlapping each other in the time domain or the frequency domain. 12 12. The method of claim 10, comprising: transmitting the configuration information through broadcast information, wherein the plurality of numerology schemes are configured semi-statically. 12. The method of claim 10, comprising: receiving the configuration information through broadcast information, wherein the plurality of numerology schemes are configured semi-statically. 13 13. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the first reference resource set and the second reference resource set includes at least one control information region usable to transmit the resource allocation information, and wherein, the control information region of the first reference resource set overlaps the control information region of the second reference resource set; and/or time-frequency radio resources of the control information region according to the first numerology scheme are usable to transmit data according to the second numerology scheme. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the first reference resource set and the second reference resource set includes at least one control information region usable to transmit the resource allocation information, and wherein, the control information region of the first reference resource set overlaps the control information region of the second reference resource set; and/or time-frequency radio resources of the control information region according to the first numerology scheme are usable to transmit data according to the second numerology scheme. 14 14. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first reference resource set and the second reference resource set includes a control information region usable to transmit the resource allocation information, and wherein the user equipment monitors the control information region so as to receive the resource allocation information destined to the user equipment. 14. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first reference resource set and the second reference resource set includes a control information region usable to transmit the resource allocation information, and the method comprises: monitoring the control information region so as to receive the resource allocation information destined to the user equipment. 15 15. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first reference resource set and the second reference resource set includes a control information region usable to transmit the resource allocation information, and the method comprises: transmitting, to the user equipment, information regarding the control information region. 15. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first reference resource set and the second reference resource set includes a control information region usable to transmit the resource allocation information, and the method comprises: receiving, from the base station, information regarding the control information region. 16 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the first reference resource set according to the first numerology scheme includes a common control information region usable to transmit the resource allocation information, wherein time-frequency radio resources of the control information region according to the first numerology scheme are usable to transmit data according to the second numerology scheme, and wherein the user equipment monitors the common control information region so as to receive the resource allocation information destined to the user equipment. 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the first reference resource set according to the first numerology scheme includes a common control information region usable to transmit the resource allocation information, wherein time-frequency radio resources of the control information region according to the first numerology scheme are usable to transmit data according to the second numerology scheme, and wherein the method comprises: monitoring the common control information region so as to receive the resource allocation information destined to the user equipment. 17 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of numerology schemes partition the time-frequency radio resources using different subcarrier spacing configurations. 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of numerology schemes partition the time-frequency radio resources using different subcarrier spacing configurations. 18 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of numerology schemes partition the time-frequency radio resources using different bandwidth configurations. 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of numerology schemes partition the time-frequency radio resources using different bandwidth configurations. Claim 19 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. 12,199,926. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. 12,199,926 anticipates claim 1. Claim# Current Application Claim # Patent No. 12,199,926 19 19. An integrated circuit, which comprise circuitry configured to: control transmitting, to a user equipment, configuration information indicating a first reference resource set and a second reference resource set at a base station, wherein the second reference resource set overlaps with the first reference resource set in at least one of a frequency domain or a time domain; the first reference resource set defining bounds of schedulable time-frequency radio resources that can be allocated according to a first numerology scheme out of a plurality of numerology schemes, the plurality of numerology schemes respectively partitioning time-frequency radio resources into resource scheduling units; the second reference resource set defining bounds of schedulable time-frequency radio resources that can be allocated according to a second numerology scheme out of the plurality of numerology schemes; and control generating and transmitting, to the user equipment, resource allocation information, the resource allocation information indicating time-frequency radio resources of the first reference resource set that is allocated to the user equipment by the base station according to the first numerology scheme, wherein, the time-frequency radio resources allocated according to the first numerology scheme are re-allocated according to the second numerology scheme having a shorter scheduling time interval than the first numerology scheme, by overwriting the time-frequency radio resources allocated according to the first numerology scheme, wherein information on the overwritten time-frequency radio resources is broadcast. 1 1. An integrated circuit for controlling a user equipment, the integrated circuit comprising: receiving circuitry, which, in operation, receives, from a base station, configuration information indicating a first reference resource set and a second reference resource set, wherein the second reference resource set overlaps with the first reference resource set in at least one of a frequency domain or a time domain; the first reference resource set defining bounds of schedulable time-frequency radio resources that can be allocated according to a first numerology scheme out of a plurality of numerology schemes, the plurality of numerology schemes respectively partitioning time-frequency radio resources into resource scheduling units; the second reference resource set defining bounds of schedulable time-frequency radio resources that can be allocated according to a second numerology scheme out of the plurality of numerology schemes; and receives, from the base station, resource allocation information; and control circuitry, which is coupled to the receiving circuitry and which, in operation, processes the resource allocation information, the resource allocation information indicating time-frequency radio resources of the first reference resource set that is allocated to the user equipment by the base station according to the first numerology scheme, wherein, the time-frequency radio resources allocated according to the first numerology scheme are re-allocated according to the second numerology scheme having a shorter scheduling time interval than the first numerology scheme, by overwriting the time-frequency radio resources allocated according to the first numerology scheme, wherein information on the overwritten time-frequency radio resources is broadcast. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ZEWDU A BEYEN whose telephone number is (571)270-7157. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 9:00-6:00. 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, Huy D Vu can be reached at 571-272-3155. 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. /ZEWDU A BEYEN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2461
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Prosecution Timeline

Dec 10, 2024
Application Filed
Sep 23, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §DP (current)

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

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
84%
Grant Probability
98%
With Interview (+14.8%)
2y 9m (~11m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 859 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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