Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 27, 2026
Application No. 19/001,133

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS

Non-Final OA §102§103
Filed
Dec 24, 2024
Priority
Aug 05, 2022 — continuation of PCTCN2022110629
Examiner
RANDHAWA, MANDISH K
Art Unit
2477
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Guangdong OPPO Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
65%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
1y 9m
Est. Remaining
93%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 65% — above average
65%
Career Allowance Rate
369 granted / 564 resolved
+7.4% vs TC avg
Strong +27% interview lift
Without
With
+27.2%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 7m
Avg Prosecution
35 currently pending
Career history
617
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
3.2%
-36.8% vs TC avg
§103
61.8%
+21.8% vs TC avg
§102
18.5%
-21.5% vs TC avg
§112
10.3%
-29.7% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 564 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §103
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status 1. The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 2. 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. 3. The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. (a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. 4. Claims 1-6, 11-15 and 17-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Sun et al. (US 2023/0136223 A1, hereinafter “Sun”). Regarding claims 1 and 17, Sun teaches a terminal device, comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor (fig. 10) is configured to: if a transmission parameter corresponding to first-type physical random access channel PRACH transmission meets a condition perform second-type PRACH transmission (if a transmission parameter corresponding to first-type physical random access channel PRACH transmission meets does not meet a condition, performing the second-type of PRACH transmission need to be performed, Appeal No. 2013-007847 (PTAB April 28, 2016)), wherein one transmission process of the first-type PRACH transmission comprises one PRACH transmission (fig 7, ¶ [0112], a UE transmits msg1 for the PRACH on a 20 MHz bandwidth (e.g., a single sub-band or RB set). As shown, the UE increases the power of the msg1 transmission in steps until the UE receives a msg2 708 from the BS), and one transmission process of the second-type PRACH transmission comprises a plurality of PRACH transmissions (fig 7, ¶ [0113], In this case, the UE's transmit power limit is reached because the msg1 transmissions on the 20 MHz BW did not have sufficient coverage to be successfully decoded by the BS. Consequently, the UE subsequently transmits msg1 712 on two 20 MHz sub-bands. ¶ [0114], ¶ [0155]). Regarding claim 11, Sun teaches a network device, comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor (fig. 12) is configured to: if a transmission parameter corresponding to first-type physical random access channel PRACH transmission meets a condition, receive a PRACH transmitted by using a manner of second-type PRACH transmission (if a transmission parameter corresponding to first-type physical random access channel PRACH transmission meets does not meet a condition, receiving a PRACH transmitted by a manner of the second-type of PRACH transmission need to be performed, Appeal No. 2013-007847 (PTAB April 28, 2016)), wherein one transmission process of the first-type PRACH transmission comprises one PRACH transmission (fig 7, ¶ [0112], a UE transmits msg1 for the PRACH on a 20 MHz bandwidth (e.g., a single sub-band or RB set). As shown, the UE increases the power of the msg1 transmission in steps until the UE receives a msg2 708 from the BS), and one transmission process of the second-type PRACH transmission comprises a plurality of PRACH transmissions (fig 7, ¶ [0113], In this case, the UE's transmit power limit is reached because the msg1 transmissions on the 20 MHz BW did not have sufficient coverage to be successfully decoded by the BS. Consequently, the UE subsequently transmits msg1 712 on two 20 MHz sub-bands. ¶ [0114], ¶ [0155]). Regarding claims 2 and 18, Sun teaches the terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission parameter comprises one or more of following information: a transmit power, a quantity of transmissions, or a downlink path loss (fig 7, ¶ [0113], the UE's transmit power limit is reached. ¶ [0114], ¶ [0155]). Regarding claims 3 and 19, Sun teaches the terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the condition comprises one or more of following: a transmit power corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission reaches a maximum transmit power of the terminal device; a transmit power corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission is greater than or equal to a first threshold; or a quantity of transmissions corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission is greater than or equal to a second threshold (fig 7, ¶ [0113], the UE's transmit power limit is reached. ¶ [0114], ¶ [0155]). Regarding claim 4, Sun teaches the terminal device according to claim 1, wherein a transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission is determined based on a first power, and the first power is determined based on a transmit power corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission or the maximum transmit power of the terminal device (fig 7, ¶ [0113], the UE's transmit power limit is reached. The UE subsequently transmits msg1 712 on two 20 MHz sub-bands. ¶ [0114]). Regarding claim 5, Sun teaches the terminal device according to claim 4, wherein the first power is determined based on one or more of following: a transmit power corresponding to a last transmission in the first-type PRACH transmission; or a transmit power corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission when the condition is met (fig 7, ¶ [0113], the UE's transmit power limit is reached. The UE subsequently transmits msg1 712 on two 20 MHz sub-bands. ¶ [0114]). Regarding claim 6, Sun teaches the terminal device according to claim 4, wherein the transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission is a transmit power of any one of the plurality of PRACH transmissions (fig 7, ¶ [0113], the UE's transmit power limit is reached. The UE subsequently transmits msg1 712 on two 20 MHz sub-bands ¶ [0114]). Regarding claim 12, Sun teaches the network device according to claim 11, wherein the transmission parameter comprises one or more of following information: a transmit power, a quantity of transmissions, or a downlink path loss (fig 7, ¶ [0113], the UE's transmit power limit is reached. ¶ [0114], ¶ [0155]). Regarding claim 13, Sun teaches the network device according to claim 12, wherein the condition comprises one or more of following: a transmit power corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission reaches a maximum transmit power of the terminal device; a transmit power corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission is greater than or equal to a first threshold; or a quantity of transmissions corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission is greater than or equal to a second threshold (fig 7, ¶ [0113], the UE's transmit power limit is reached. ¶ [0114], ¶ [0155]). Regarding claim 14, Sun teaches the network device according to claim 11, wherein a transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission is determined based on a first power, and the first power is determined based on a transmit power corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission or the maximum transmit power of the terminal device (fig 7, ¶ [0113], the UE's transmit power limit is reached. The UE subsequently transmits msg1 712 on two 20 MHz sub-bands. ¶ [0114]). Regarding claim 15, Sun teaches the network device according to claim 14, wherein the first power is determined based on one or more of following: a transmit power corresponding to a last transmission in the first-type PRACH transmission; or a transmit power corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission when the condition is met (fig 7, ¶ [0113], the UE's transmit power limit is reached. The UE subsequently transmits msg1 712 on two 20 MHz sub-bands. ¶ [0114]). 5. Claims 1-7 and 10-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Li et al. (US 2015/0016312 A1, hereinafter “Li”). Regarding claims 1 and 17, Li teaches a terminal device, comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor (fig. 2) is configured to: if a transmission parameter corresponding to first-type physical random access channel PRACH transmission meets a condition perform second-type PRACH transmission (if a transmission parameter corresponding to first-type physical random access channel PRACH transmission meets does not meet a condition, performing the second-type of PRACH transmission need to be performed, Appeal No. 2013-007847 (PTAB April 28, 2016)), wherein one transmission process of the first-type PRACH transmission comprises one PRACH transmission (figs. 10A, 10B, 19D, 26, ¶ [0123], UE 114 can first transmit a RA preamble with an initial transmission power, for example as in Equation 3, and if UE 114 fails to receive a RAR within a respective time window, the UE 114 retransmits the RA preamble with a higher transmission power (power ramping) as long as the transmission power is not larger than PCMAX,c. ¶ [0202],), and one transmission process of the second-type PRACH transmission comprises a plurality of PRACH transmissions (figs. 10A, 10B, 19D, 26, ¶ [0123], ¶ [0124], If the UE 114 transmits the RA preamble with repetitions, the power ramping step can be same as the one when the UE 114 transmits the RA preamble without repetitions. ¶ [0125], ¶ [0126], ¶ [0202], ¶ [0204]). Regarding claim 11, Li teaches a network device, comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor (fig. 3) is configured to: if a transmission parameter corresponding to first-type physical random access channel PRACH transmission meets a condition, receive a PRACH transmitted by using a manner of second-type PRACH transmission (if a transmission parameter corresponding to first-type physical random access channel PRACH transmission meets does not meet a condition, receiving a PRACH transmitted by a manner of the second-type of PRACH transmission need to be performed, Appeal No. 2013-007847 (PTAB April 28, 2016)), wherein one transmission process of the first-type PRACH transmission comprises one PRACH transmission (figs. 10A, 10B, 19D, 26, ¶ [0123], UE 114 can first transmit a RA preamble with an initial transmission power, for example as in Equation 3, and if UE 114 fails to receive a RAR within a respective time window, the UE 114 retransmits the RA preamble with a higher transmission power (power ramping) as long as the transmission power is not larger than PCMAX,c. ¶ [0202]), and one transmission process of the second-type PRACH transmission comprises a plurality of PRACH transmissions (figs. 10A, 10B, 19D, 26, ¶ [0123], ¶ [0124], If the UE 114 transmits the RA preamble with repetitions, the power ramping step can be same as the one when the UE 114 transmits the RA preamble without repetitions. ¶ [0125], ¶ [0126], ¶ [0202], ¶ [0204]). Regarding claims 2 and 18, Li teaches the terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission parameter comprises one or more of following information: a transmit power, a quantity of transmissions, or a downlink path loss (figs. 10A, 10B, 18, 19D, 26, ¶ [0120], ¶ [0123], ¶ [0124], ¶ [0199], ¶ [0202]). Regarding claims 3 and 19, Li teaches the terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the condition comprises one or more of following: a transmit power corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission reaches a maximum transmit power of the terminal device; a transmit power corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission is greater than or equal to a first threshold; or a quantity of transmissions corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission is greater than or equal to a second threshold (figs. 10A, 10B, 18, 19D, 26, ¶ [0120], ¶ [0123], ¶ [0124], ¶ [0134], Table 2, ¶ [0199], ¶ [0202]). Regarding claim 4, Li teaches the terminal device according to claim 1, wherein a transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission is determined based on a first power, and the first power is determined based on a transmit power corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission or the maximum transmit power of the terminal device (figs. 10A, 10B, 19D, 26, ¶ [0124], If the UE 114 transmits the RA preamble with repetitions, the power ramping step can be same as the one when the UE 114 transmits the RA preamble without repetitions, or the UE 114 can be separately configured for each RA preamble repetition level corresponding to a CE level, or the UE 114 can be implicitly determined by a number of RA preamble transmission attempts at a CE level (this number can be informed separately for each CE level or can be same for all CE levels). ¶ [0125]). Regarding claim 5, Li teaches the terminal device according to claim 4, wherein the first power is determined based on one or more of following: a transmit power corresponding to a last transmission in the first-type PRACH transmission; or a transmit power corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission when the condition is met (figs. 10A, 10B, ¶ [0123], ¶ [0124], The UE 114 is configured by higher layer signaling with a power ramping step, .deltastep, to increase a RA preamble transmission power when the UE 114 does not receive a subsequent RAR. If the UE 114 transmits the RA preamble with repetitions, the power ramping step can be same as the one when the UE 114 transmits the RA preamble without repetitions, or the UE 114 can be separately configured for each RA preamble repetition level corresponding to a CE level, or the UE 114 can be implicitly determined by a number of RA preamble transmission attempts at a CE level (this number can be informed separately for each CE level or can be same for all CE levels). ¶ [0125]). Regarding claim 6, Li teaches the terminal device according to claim 4, wherein the transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission is a transmit power of any one of the plurality of PRACH transmissions (figs. 10A, 10B, ¶ [0123], ¶ [0124]). Regarding claim 7, Li teaches the terminal device according to claim 6, wherein the transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission is a transmit power of a PRACH with an earliest transmission time in the plurality of PRACH transmissions (¶ [0129], if an initial transmission power computed as in Equation 3 is not larger than PCMAX,c, the UE 114 transmits a RA preamble with the initial transmission power for each of the R1 repetitions and, if UE 114 fails to receive a RAR in a respective time window, the UE 114 increases a RA preamble transmission power by a predetermined step deltastep,1 for the next R1 repetitions. ¶ [0130], Therefore, it is beneficial to determine an initial RA preamble transmission power as in Equation 3 and not use PCMAX,c, even when a RA preamble is transmitted with repetitions. ¶ [0204], ¶ [0206]). Regarding claims 10 and 20, Li teaches the terminal device according to claim 1, wherein a quantity of transmissions for the first-type PRACH transmission and a quantity of transmissions for the second-type PRACH transmission are counted together; or the quantity of transmissions for the first-type PRACH transmission and a quantity of transmissions for the second-type PRACH transmission are counted separately (¶ [0117], mechanisms for a UE to determine an initial number of repetitions for a RA preamble transmission, associated with an estimate for an initial CE level, based on measurements or other statistics, or based on a configuration by an eNB, and to determine a subsequent number of repetitions for a RA preamble transmission, associated with a higher CE level, if the UE does not receive a response from the eNB to the RA preamble transmission corresponding to the estimated initial CE level. ¶ [0125], ¶ [0126], a number of repetitions for a RA preamble at each level, a total number of RA preamble transmissions at each level can also be provided to the UE 114 by system information. Alternatively, a number of transmissions can be same for all repetition levels and be provided by system information. ¶ [0204], The maximum count can be same for all CE levels or can be configured (by system information) separately for each CE level.). Regarding claim 12, Li teaches the network device according to claim 11, wherein the transmission parameter comprises one or more of following information: a transmit power, a quantity of transmissions, or a downlink path loss (figs. 10A, 10B, 18, 19D, 26, ¶ [0120], ¶ [0123], ¶ [0124], ¶ [0199], ¶ [0202]). Regarding claim 13, Li teaches the network device according to claim 12, wherein the condition comprises one or more of following: a transmit power corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission reaches a maximum transmit power of the terminal device; a transmit power corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission is greater than or equal to a first threshold; or a quantity of transmissions corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission is greater than or equal to a second threshold (figs. 10A, 10B, 18, 19D, 26, ¶ [0120], ¶ [0123], ¶ [0124], ¶ [0134], Table 2, ¶ [0199], ¶ [0202]). Regarding claim 14, Li teaches the network device according to claim 11, wherein a transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission is determined based on a first power, and the first power is determined based on a transmit power corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission or the maximum transmit power of the terminal device (figs. 10A, 10B, 19D, 26, ¶ [0124], If the UE 114 transmits the RA preamble with repetitions, the power ramping step can be same as the one when the UE 114 transmits the RA preamble without repetitions, or the UE 114 can be separately configured for each RA preamble repetition level corresponding to a CE level, or the UE 114 can be implicitly determined by a number of RA preamble transmission attempts at a CE level (this number can be informed separately for each CE level or can be same for all CE levels). ¶ [0125]). Regarding claim 15, Li teaches the network device according to claim 14, wherein the first power is determined based on one or more of following: a transmit power corresponding to a last transmission in the first-type PRACH transmission; or a transmit power corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission when the condition is met (figs. 10A, 10B, ¶ [0123], ¶ [0124], The UE 114 is configured by higher layer signaling with a power ramping step, .deltastep, to increase a RA preamble transmission power when the UE 114 does not receive a subsequent RAR. If the UE 114 transmits the RA preamble with repetitions, the power ramping step can be same as the one when the UE 114 transmits the RA preamble without repetitions, or the UE 114 can be separately configured for each RA preamble repetition level corresponding to a CE level, or the UE 114 can be implicitly determined by a number of RA preamble transmission attempts at a CE level (this number can be informed separately for each CE level or can be same for all CE levels). ¶ [0125]). Regarding claim 16, Li teaches the network device according to claim 11, wherein a quantity of transmissions for the first-type PRACH transmission and a quantity of transmissions for the second-type PRACH transmission are counted together; or a quantity of transmissions for the first-type PRACH transmission and a quantity of transmissions for the second-type PRACH transmission are counted separately (¶ [0117], mechanisms for a UE to determine an initial number of repetitions for a RA preamble transmission, associated with an estimate for an initial CE level, based on measurements or other statistics, or based on a configuration by an eNB, and to determine a subsequent number of repetitions for a RA preamble transmission, associated with a higher CE level, if the UE does not receive a response from the eNB to the RA preamble transmission corresponding to the estimated initial CE level. ¶ [0125], ¶ [0126], a number of repetitions for a RA preamble at each level, a total number of RA preamble transmissions at each level can also be provided to the UE 114 by system information. Alternatively, a number of transmissions can be same for all repetition levels and be provided by system information. ¶ [0204], The maximum count can be same for all CE levels or can be configured (by system information) separately for each CE level.). Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 6. 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. 7. The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows: 1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art. 2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue. 3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art. 4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness. 8. Claims 7, 10, 16 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sun in view of Li Regarding claim 7, Sun teaches the terminal device according to claim 6. Sun does not explicitly teach wherein the transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission is a transmit power of a PRACH with an earliest transmission time in the plurality of PRACH transmissions. Li teaches wherein a transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission is determined based on a first power, and the first power is determined based on a (last) transmit power corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission or the maximum transmit power of the terminal device (figs. 10A, 10B, 19D, 26, ¶ [0124], If the UE 114 transmits the RA preamble with repetitions, the power ramping step can be same as the one when the UE 114 transmits the RA preamble without repetitions, or the UE 114 can be separately configured for each RA preamble repetition level corresponding to a CE level, or the UE 114 can be implicitly determined by a number of RA preamble transmission attempts at a CE level (this number can be informed separately for each CE level or can be same for all CE levels). ¶ [0125]); wherein the transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission is a transmit power of any one of the plurality of PRACH transmissions (figs. 10A, 10B, ¶ [0123], ¶ [0124]); wherein the transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission is a transmit power of a PRACH with an earliest transmission time in the plurality of PRACH transmissions (¶ [0129], if an initial transmission power computed as in Equation 3 is not larger than PCMAX,c, the UE 114 transmits a RA preamble with the initial transmission power for each of the R1 repetitions and, if UE 114 fails to receive a RAR in a respective time window, the UE 114 increases a RA preamble transmission power by a predetermined step deltastep,1 for the next R1 repetitions. ¶ [0130], Therefore, it is beneficial to determine an initial RA preamble transmission power as in Equation 3 and not use PCMAX,c, even when a RA preamble is transmitted with repetitions. ¶ [0204], ¶ [0206]). Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the invention, to determine the transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH as the transmit power of a PRACH with an earliest transmission time in the plurality of PRACH transmissions in the system of Sun to further improve reception reliability of RA preambles (¶ [0129] and ¶ [0130] of Li). Regarding claims 10, 16 and 20, Sun teaches the terminal device according to claim 1. Sun does not explicitly teach wherein a quantity of transmissions for the first-type PRACH transmission and a quantity of transmissions for the second-type PRACH transmission are counted together; or the quantity of transmissions for the first-type PRACH transmission and a quantity of transmissions for the second-type PRACH transmission are counted separately. Li teaches wherein a quantity of transmissions for the first-type PRACH transmission and a quantity of transmissions for the second-type PRACH transmission are counted together; or the quantity of transmissions for the first-type PRACH transmission and a quantity of transmissions for the second-type PRACH transmission are counted separately (¶ [0117], mechanisms for a UE to determine an initial number of repetitions for a RA preamble transmission, associated with an estimate for an initial CE level, based on measurements or other statistics, or based on a configuration by an eNB, and to determine a subsequent number of repetitions for a RA preamble transmission, associated with a higher CE level, if the UE does not receive a response from the eNB to the RA preamble transmission corresponding to the estimated initial CE level. ¶ [0125], ¶ [0126], a number of repetitions for a RA preamble at each level, a total number of RA preamble transmissions at each level can also be provided to the UE 114 by system information. Alternatively, a number of transmissions can be same for all repetition levels and be provided by system information. ¶ [0204], The maximum count can be same for all CE levels or can be configured (by system information) separately for each CE level.). Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the invention, to count the quantity of transmissions for the first-type PRACH transmission and a quantity of transmissions for the second-type PRACH transmission together or separately. The motivation for doing this is a matter of design choice. 9. Claims 8 and 9 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sun in view of Yi et al. (US 2016/0142981 A1, hereinafter “Yi”). Regarding claim 8, Sun teaches the terminal device according to claim 4. Sun does not explicitly teach wherein the transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission is determined based on the first power and a power offset. Yi teaches wherein a transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission is determined based on a first power, and the first power is determined based on a (last) transmit power corresponding to the first-type PRACH transmission or the maximum transmit power of the terminal device (¶ [0146]-¶ [0153], ¶ [0154] Alternatively, power ramping between levels can be also considered where initial power of next repetition level (or coverage level) can be always greater than the last power used in previous repetition level (or coverage level) with delta difference (from the accumulated power perspective rather than individual PRACH per one PRACH transmission, i.e., accumulated power over repetition), ¶ [0156]); wherein the transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission is a transmit power of any one of the plurality of PRACH transmissions (¶ [0146]-¶ [0153], ¶ [0154] Alternatively, power ramping between levels can be also considered where initial power of next repetition level (or coverage level) can be always greater than the last power used in previous repetition level (or coverage level) with delta difference (from the accumulated power perspective rather than individual PRACH per one PRACH transmission, i.e., accumulated power over repetition), ¶ [0156]); wherein the transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission is determined based on the first power and a power offset (¶ [0146]-¶ [0153], ¶ [0154] Alternatively, power ramping between levels can be also considered where initial power of next repetition level (or coverage level) can be always greater than the last power used in previous repetition level (or coverage level) with delta difference (from the accumulated power perspective rather than individual PRACH per one PRACH transmission, i.e., accumulated power over repetition), ¶ [0156], ¶ [0157], ¶ [0166], ¶ [0171]). Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the invention, to determine the transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission based on the first power and a power offset in the system of Sun. The motivation for doing this is a matter of design choice (¶ [0146]-¶ [0172] of Yi). Regarding claim 9, Sun in view of Yi teaches the terminal device according to claim 8. Sun does not explicitly teach wherein the transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission is a sum of the first power and the power offset. Yi teaches wherein the transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission is a sum of the first power and the power offset (¶ [0146], ¶ [0151], ¶ [0154], power ramping between levels can be also considered where initial power of next repetition level (or coverage level) can be always greater than the last power used in previous repetition level (or coverage level) with delta difference. ¶ [0156], ¶ [0157], ¶ [0166], For data retransmission, the power may be increased with Δretx where Δretx will be preconfigured or higher layer configured. In other words, the power for retransmission would be “pre-configured power level”+ Δretx. ¶ [0171], where the accumulation can be applied to the repeated transmissions equally. For example, TPC command indicates δ.sub.PUCCH=3 dB, then PUCCH transmission power will be increased to 3 dB for each repeated transmission. and ¶ [0172]). Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the invention, to determine the transmit power corresponding to the second-type PRACH transmission based on a sum of the first power and a power offset in the system of Sun. The motivation for doing this is a matter of design choice (¶ [0146]-¶ [0172] of Yi). Conclusion 10. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MANDISH RANDHAWA whose telephone number is (571)270-5650. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Thursday (9 AM-7 PM). Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Chirag Shah can be reached at 571-272-3144. 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. /MANDISH K RANDHAWA/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2477
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Prosecution Timeline

Dec 24, 2024
Application Filed
Sep 30, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §103 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
65%
Grant Probability
93%
With Interview (+27.2%)
3y 7m (~1y 9m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
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